Red Bull (Beverage)

This gets asked frequently, and the answer is and always has been: NO.

Red Bull and other energy drinks do not contain Bull Sperm. This idea came about since there is an ingredient called "Taurine" in it. This ingredient is NOT bull sperm but an aminoethanesulfonic acid, particularly in this case, an extremely high quality synthetic production of this acid.

Naturally occurring Taurine is necessary for normal skeletal muscle functioning, even assisting with those affected with congestive heart failure by increasing the force and effectiveness of heart-muscle contractions. It also acts as an antioxidant and inherently protects against toxicity of various substances (such as lead and cadmium). Additionally, supplementation with taurine has been shown to prevent oxidative stress induced by exercise.
no
Categorically: no.

Bull sperm is made up of different substances, including the amino acid Taurine.

Taurine occurs naturally in all sorts of places, including human bile, bull bile, testes and urine. It was first extracted from Ox bile.

Secondly, the Taurine that we find in food and drink products today is not extracted from any part of animals; who would want that job?! Instead, it is artificially made in laboratories.

You can drink energy/stimulation drinks without fear that you are ingesting bull sperm.

== == http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4537831.ece

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1027304/Cynically-marketed-toxic-disturbing-Why-Red-Bull-Britains-real-drink-problem.html

Red Bull is subject to numerous unproven claims of adverse health effects, most of which are urban legends. In 2001, the drink was investigated by the Swedish National Food Administration after being linked to the deaths of three consumers, and was completely cleared. It has been subject to a number of other health concerns regarding glucuronolactone, a precursor of taurine. Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the metabolism of glucose in the human liver. It has received some notoriety due to urban legends that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government. The rumor goes on to say that it was banned due to several brain tumor-related deaths. The rumor has since been proven false, as neither the cited British Medical Journal article nor the "banning of its consumption" ever occurred. Due to the link with taurine, only energy drinks without taurine are sold in France, but infant formula sold there (and worldwide) is commonly supplemented with taurine. Furthermore, no warnings appear on the Food and Drug Administration website regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies.

How does Redbull affect your energy levels?

If you have severe chronic fatigue, sometimes redbull can be a life saver. If I'm struggling when having a night out or falling asleep at a family function, redbull can helps me keep it together for a few more hours. Maybe it isnt the healthiest way to get energy, but if you have cfs sometimes it can be the easiest way to get it.

Everyone knows that energy drinks (i.e Redbull) can give you a short term energy boost.

Do You Know What Is Actually in It?

Here are the active ingredients in Redbull that are responsible for the increased energy.

Glucose - Obviously glucose is Sugar. Cells use sugar and can rapidly convert it into energy. This gives a short term energy boost as glucose is turned into sugar.

Taurine - Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally made in the human body. Each can of Red Bull contains 1000mg of Taurine. Taurine help to move minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium throughout the cells. This helps to generate nerve impulses.

There has been some controversy over the effects of high levels of taurine on the body. It is believed to be unfounded but there are certain countries that prohibit the sale of redbull.

Its sale is actually prohibited in Denmark, France, Uruguay, and Norway. In France, Only energy drink without Taurine are sold.

Some CFS patients have actually been found to have low levels of taurine.

Glucuronolactone - Glucuronolactone is a precursor of taurine. It has be known to improve memory and concentration. It also can have stimulant and anti-depressant like effects.

Inositol - Inositol has mood boosting effects and improves how the brain uses serotonin. A chemical that is the same that is boosted by anti-depressant drugs like Prozac and Zoloft.

Some studies have recently shown that inositol may actually help treat certain problems like bipolar disorder, depression, and panic disorder.

Niacin - Niacin is a B vitamin that helps in energy formation. It metabolizes energy from fat and carbohydrates. Niacin can help the body use energy by releasing it from food.

D-Pantothenol - D-Pantothenol is also known as vitamin B5, or Pantothenic acid. It is known to improve mood and boost energy. D-Pantothenol help turn fat into energy and increases metabolism.

Pyridoxine HCL - Also known as Vitamin B6,Pyridoxine HCL helps red blood cells to form and provides better oxygen utilization. It also help to break down sugar that you have stored in your body to use for energy.

Vitamin B12 - B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells, for better oxygen utilization. It also help with energy production by breaking down fat and protein.

Caffeine - Red Bull contains 80.0 milligrams of caffeine which is almost double the amount of all other soft drinks. The caffeine in Red Bull gives you energy by blocking a chemical in you brain called adenosine. Adenosine promotes sleepiness and without it you would not be able to fall asleep. When adenosine is blocked you body releases a boost of adrenaline which wakes you up. However, caffeine stresses your adrenal glands and stress handling mechanisms and can worsen fatigue raising from adrenal insuffiency or related syndromes.