Red Bull Study: It does not give you wings (II)

[WillBrink]

This is my shocked face...

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2015 Feb 24.
The Effects of Red Bull® Energy Drink Compared With Caffeine on Cycling Time Trial Performance.

Abstract

This study investigated the ergogenic effects of a commercial energy drink (Red Bull®) or an equivalent dose of anhydrous caffeine in comparison to a non-caffeinated control beverage on cycling performance. Eleven trained male cyclists (31.7±5.9yrs, 82.3±6.1kg, VO2 max=60.3±7.8mL·kg-1·min-1) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross-over designed study involving three experimental conditions.

Participants were randomly administered Red Bull® (9.4mL·kg-1 BM, containing 3mg·kg-1BM caffeine), anhydrous caffeine (3mg·kg-1 BM given in capsule form) or a placebo 90mins before commencing a time trial equivalent to 1hr cycling at 75% peak power output. Carbohydrate and fluid volumes were matched across all trials.

Performance improved by 109±153s (2.8%, p=0.039) after Red Bull® compared with placebo and by 120±172s (3.1%, p=0.043) after caffeine compared with placebo. No significant difference (p>0.05) in performance time was detected between Red Bull® and caffeine treatments.

There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in mean heart rate or rating of perceived exertion among the three treatments. This study demonstrated that a moderate dose of caffeine consumed as either Red Bull® or in anhydrous form enhanced cycling time trial performance. The ergogenic benefits of Red Bull® energy drink are therefore most likely due to the effects of caffeine, with the other ingredients not likely to offer additional benefit.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25710190

[newkirk]

I only drink it if I have to stay awake while driving late. It keeps me awake a lot better than coffee. Maybe it is just the caffeine but I still think it works better.

[WillBrink]

I only drink it if I have to stay awake while driving late. It keeps me awake a lot better than coffee. Maybe it is just the caffeine but I still think it works better.

Caffeine and coffee do not have the same effects. I cover that HERE if interested.

You'd save a lot of $$$ by simply getting caffeine tabs like No Doz or similar. Caffeine is dirt cheap and I'll bet the can costs them more to produce than the product in Red Bull.

[Swstock]

I cant believe they were sued.

Did anyone really expect to become a bird?

Anyway, I drink about a can of redbull per day to keep me from dozing off at work. If I need athletic performance, I use a pre or intra workout drink.

[newkirk]

Learned something new Will. Thank you for the links.

[FishTaco]

When I tried it I couldn't believe how little effect it had.

[WillBrink]

When I tried it I couldn't believe how little effect it had.

It's only like 80mg of caffeine, so not much to expect but a slight bump. If you want to try something you'll feel and is good for you to boot, try my Bomb Proof Coffee recipe.

[Ick]

Good stuff. Thanks Will.

[WillBrink]

Good stuff. Thanks Will.

Lots of feedback etc on that in the dedicated coffee thread BTW.

[Doc Safari]

I can't stand Red Bull, but I believe in Five Hour Energy. That stuff has kept me awake when all I wanted was sleep on many occasions. My one criticism is that it takes time to metabolize, so it really should be called "Five Hour Energy After an Hour to Digest."