Red Bull is an energy drink that contains massive amounts of caffeine and B-vitamins. In high doses, caffeine toxicity causes heart problems. Niacin (Vitamin B3) can also accumulate in the liver and cause hepatitis or liver damage.
Need a Texas Red Bull Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a heart problem after drinking Red Bull, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is the problem?
Energy drinks are a tempting pick-me-up, but they can have severe side effects. One of the most popular drinks, Red Bull, has been linked to a wide range of cardiovascular, psychiatric, and physical side effects.
B-Vitamins in Red Bull
Red Bull contains 100% of the recommended daily amount of niacin (Vitamin B3), 250% of Vitamin B6, 80% of Vitamin B12, and a variety of other B-vitamins and supplemental ingredients.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) and Liver Damage
Red Bull contains niacin (Vitamin B3), a B-vitamin that is toxic to the liver. Many people are sensitive to niacin and experience a sudden “skin flush.” Niacin can also elevate liver enzyme levels, which is a sign of liver injury. In high doses, niacin accumulates in the liver and causes inflammation. This side effect is also known as toxic hepatitis or non-viral hepatitis.
Energy Drinks and Hepatitis
There have been multiple reports of people who had liver damage from overdosing on niacin in energy drinks. In one report, a 50 year-old man developed hepatitis after consuming 160-200mg of niacin in 4-5 energy drinks per day for three weeks.
Symptoms of Toxic Hepatitis
- Flu-like illness
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine
- White or clay-colored stools
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching or rash
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in New York
An $85 million wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a man who died of a heart attack after drinking Red Bull. In November 2011, 33 year-old Cory Terry was playing basketball in New York. After about 45 minutes, he drank Red Bull and collapsed. According to an attorney representing the family, the drink “contains extra stimulants that make it different than a cup of coffee. They are more dangerous than what Red Bull lets on.”
FDA Reports Injuries & Deaths
In 2012, the FDA issued a report (PDF) describing 21 serious injury reports linked to Red Bull since 2004. More events were likely never reported. Ten victims were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Some of the events included:
- Pancreatitis
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Fast heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Convulsions
- And more
Ingredients in Red Bull
Each 8.3-oz can of Red Bull contains 27-g of sugar, 84-mg of caffeine, 1,000-mg of taurine, and 600-mg of glucuronolactone. Other ingredients include inositol, D-Pantothenol, niacin, and Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6). These ingredients have no therapeutic benefit and can pose health risks.
Risk-Factors for Caffeine Toxicity
Caffeine is a stimulant that is toxic at high doses and well-known to cause cardiovascular events. For pregnant women, high caffeine intake can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or low birth-weight infants. Roughly 30-50% of teenagers consume energy drinks, which is concerning because they are more likely to develop increased blood pressure and other side effects due to their smaller size. People with pre-existing or undiagnosed heart problems are also more likely to experience side effects.
False Advertising Lawsuit Settled for $13 Million
Red Bull has agreed to pay $13 million to settle two class action lawsuits accusing the company of falsely marketing their energy drinks as superior to coffee, when in reality the energy drink contained only half as much caffeine as a 7-oz cup of drip coffee. The settlement provided about $10 in reimbursement for everyone who bought Red Bull after 2002.
Need a Red Bull Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Red Bull lawyers for a free lawsuit review.