Red Bull under investigation

The popular drink Red Bull, sometimes mixed with vodka, might have adverse side affects many students aren't aware of.\n"I started drinking it because I wouldn't sleep much...after drinking it, I could stay up all night and have fun," sophomore Corey Gavin said. \nMany might not know is the potential health risk it poses. The drink is suspected of causing three deaths, and is under investigation by the National Food Administration in Sweden. \nRed Bull is a sweet energy drink meant to "stimulate the mind and body." It contains as much caffeine as a cup of black coffee. It has Taurine, which detoxifies the body as well as "strengthens cardiac contractility," and contains vitamins and carbohydrates, according to the Red Bull Web site, www.redbull.com. \nRed Bull and vodka is available at many bars in Bloomington, including Nick's English Hut, The Bluebird, Axis, Kilroy's and Kilroy's Sports Bar. It costs more than $2 per can in Bloomington and at the bars when mixed with vodka, sells anywhere from $5 to $10 a drink. \nThe sweetness of the drink masks the bitter taste of vodka. People may not realize how much alcohol they're actually consuming when drinking Red Bull and vodka, said Jennifer Rinehart, Bloomington Hospital dietitian. \n"It can cause dehydration, heart and kidney problems," she said. \nShe also said she wouldn't drink it because of the dangers of mixing a stimulant and a depressant. \nDrinking Red Bull mixed with vodka or simply to prevent sleepiness might not be a good idea, said Dee Owens, IU Alcohol and Drug Information Center director.\n"If your body has extra caffeine, you're shaky, your heart is beating faster," Owen said. "If your heart is already at its maximum, and then you use a chemical that continues to make it pound, it can be too much for a weakened heart."\nThe drink results in increased stress on the cardiovascular system and heart palpitations, said IU Director of Sports Medicine Dr. James Nevins. \n"Artificial stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate," he said. \nAlthough the chances of a heart attack for college-age students is very slim, the drink is unhealthy for your body, Nevins said. The drink intensifies the effects of alcohol, and Nevins said he would, "absolutely not drink it." \nThe National Food Administration in Sweden is investigating Red Bull to determine is safety. Two deaths occurred after Red Bull was mixed with vodka while the other occurred after drinking two cans of Red Bull after working out. No connection between the drinks and the deaths have been confirmed, and there isn't any scientific evidence yet. In the meantime, Sweden NFA issued a public warning, asking people not to drink it after exercising or to mix it with vodka.\nRed Bull has never been banned, although it has not been authorized. The Red Bull Web site states, "no authority in the world has ever discovered or proven an unhealthy effect in or from Red Bull." Company representatives said the drink is in bars as an alternative to alcohol, claiming it is as harmless as a cup of coffee.\n"This is one story that's not based on facts, and has been fueled by speculation," a spokesperson said of allegations against the drink, according to the British Broadcasting Company news service.\nDespite possible risks, many IU students continue to drink Red Bull. \n"I haven't seen or heard of anyone around here that have had problems after drinking it," said Kilroy's Sports Bar bartender and junior Brian Maggert. \nWhen asked if he drank it he said, "No, it's bad for your heart." \nEven after knowing the potentially harmful effects, Gavin said people will continue to consume this drink. \n"It's my favorite drink and it tastes good," Gavin said. "Yeah, I've seen people get alcohol poisoning from this drink, but the same thing happens to people who drink Jack and Coke." \nRed Bull keeps selling, there were one billion cans sold last year around the world. \n"People just have to be careful," Rinehart said.