title: 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 with a noncaffeinated control beverage on cycling performance. Eleven trained male cyclists (31.7 ± 5.9 y 82.3 ± 6.1 kg, VO2max = 60.3 ± 7.8 mL · kg-1 · min-1) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study involving 3 experimental conditions. Participants were randomly administered Red Bull (9.4 mL/kg body mass [BM] containing 3 mg/kg BM caffeine), anhydrous caffeine (3 mg/kg BM given in capsule form), or a placebo 90 min before commencing a time trial equivalent to 1 h cycling at 75% peak power output. Carbohydrate and fluid volumes were matched across all trials. Performance improved by 109 ± 153 s (2.8%, P = .039) after Red Bull compared with placebo and by 120 ± 172 s (3.1%, P = .043) after caffeine compared with placebo. No significant difference (P > .05) in performance time was detected between Red Bull and caffeine treatments. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in mean heart rate or rating of perceived exertion among the 3 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.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Alannah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Quinlivan
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: Gary D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: Sheilandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anoopkumar-Dukie
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leveritt
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Desbrow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000009:adverse effects; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063806:Myalgia / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010465:Perception; D005082:Physical Exertion; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002110:Caffeine