Why? Many Questions Answered

Red Bull is the brand name of a canned soft drink that is
marketed as an energy source and stimulant containing
sugar, vitamin B, glucuronolactone, caffeine (around the
same amount as in a cup of coffee) and a compound called
taurine, which gives the drink its name



In the early part of 2000, a number of people started
questioning whether the drink was dangerous to human
health, as there was a suggestion that one of its ingredients,
glucuronolactone, was an artificial stimulant given to U S
troops in Vietnam in the 1960s to boost morale It was said
that the drug produced brain tumors and death in some of the soldiers, although there is no scientific evidence supporting
this suggestion However, in 2001, the drink was
investigated by the Swedish National Food Administration
after being connected to the deaths of three people

Some experts are concerned about the inclusion of glucuronolactone
and taurine in the drink Glucuronolactone
is a natural carbohydrate produced by the human metabolic
system, but the amounts contained in each can of Red
Bull are high enough to worry some people A recent study
found that more testing was needed to assess the dangers
of glucuronolactone and taurine, but many think that high
quantities could be dangerous to people Experts are also
concerned about the levels of caffeine in the drink, especially
when it’s mixed with alcohol, as it often is

The sale of Red Bull as a normal soft drink is now prohibited
in Denmark, France and Norway