Study: Red Bull Doesn't Enhance Alcohol Use

News Summary

A new Brazilian study finds that energy drinks such as Red Bull don't delay the negative effects of alcohol, as some drinkers believe, WebMD reported Sept. 14.

Researcher Maria Lucia Souza Formigoni, Ph.D., a psychobiologist with the Federal University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, said that the belief that energy drinks can extend alcohol's stimulating effects is an urban myth.

"In Brazil, as in other countries, the use of 'energy drinks' such as Red Bull is relatively common in bars and night clubs," said Formigoni. "Many young people use them mixed with vodka, whisky, and other spirits."

Previous studies have suggested that energy drinks could delay the depressive effects of alcohol. But Formigoni's research found that the energy drinks don't contain enough caffeine to prolong performance or mood-boosting effects.

For the study, 14 healthy men were either given water, an alcoholic drink, an energy drink, or alcohol plus an energy drink over a four-week period. After each drink, the participants were asked to ride an exercise bicycle. Their blood was also tested for mood hormones or other changes.

While Formigoni found faster heart rates and higher adrenaline levels at various points in the test, there were no indications of performance or mood-boosting effects.

The study's findings are published in the September, 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.