Red Bull, like most energy drinks, relies on caffeine for its stimulating effect. A standard 8.4 fl oz can contains 80 mg of caffeine, comparable to a cup of coffee. While this caffeine level is generally considered safe, other ingredients in Red Bull raise health concerns.
One major concern is the high sugar content. A single can packs 27 grams of added sugar from glucose and sucrose. Excessive sugar intake is linked to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Given that many people already consume too much added sugar, Red Bull further contributes to this problem.
Citric acid, another ingredient in Red Bull, is typically derived from the fungus Aspergillus niger, also known as black mold. While manufactured citric acid (MCA) isn’t black mold itself, some individuals with a genetic predisposition to black mold allergies might experience inflammatory responses like joint pain, muscle pain, or digestive issues after consuming it.
Red Bull also contains natural and artificial flavorings. Although some animal studies suggest potential toxicity of artificial flavorings at a cellular level, human studies haven’t confirmed these findings.
The “colors” listed on the nutrition label lack specifics regarding their artificial or natural origin. Some research indicates potential negative effects of artificial food coloring, including a possible increased risk of cancer cell development, genetic toxicity, and skin problems like eczema.
