(The FASEB Journal. 2008;22:888.4.)
© 2008 FASEB
Red Bull Energy Drink and its affect on vasomotor stimulation and pain perception
Frances Ruth Ragsdale1,
Tisha L Hooks2 and
Ted Wilson1
1 Biology
2 Mathematics and Statistics, Winona State University, Winona, MN
ABSTRACT
The effects of Red Bull Energy Drink (RB) were examined using the cold pressor (CP) test for autonomic nervous system activation and pain determinations in college-aged volunteers. Volunteers were allowed to relax 15 min prior to testing. Heart rates (HR) and Blood pressures (BP) were taken prior to the CP test (submersion of the hand in 5°C water bath). Pain threshold and pain tolerance were recorded during the test. The intensity of pain felt during the trial was recorded using the visual analogy scale (VAS) for pain assessment. BP was again evaluated immediately after the trial. The volunteers were given a single serving of RB and the tests were repeated 30 minutes postprandially. Preliminary findings suggest that men and women react differently to RB. There was a significant difference in heart rate in women prior to RB and a significant difference in heart rate in men post RB consumption. RB had no significant effect on BP. Likewise, there was no difference in pain threshold; however, there appeared to be a significant increase in pain tolerance after RB consumption. This study suggests that a single serving of RB is not associated with any dramatic physiological change in healthy college-aged individuals.
