Introduction
Red Bull is a form of liquid cocaine. Okay not really, but it does give you wings! Whether it is sugar free or the normal 8oz blue can it will make you feel like you got that full 10 hours of sleep and if something can do that then it is worth knowing the chemistry behind it! This pee colored drink has become my life savior as I live out my highschool days.
Composition of ...
The composition of Red Bull is 27 grams of sugar per can, which includes artificial sweeteners One can contains 80mg of caffeine which is enough to give you the jitters. RedBull also contains 1000 mg of Taurine which is also naturally made in our bodies. Glucuronolactone, Inositol and Niacin can also be found. Pyridoxine HCL which is a mood booster is another composition of Red Bull. Lastly Vitamin B-12 can be found and who doesn’t love vitamins?
Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components
Caffeine- Caffeine can affect the level of dopamine which can make you feel as though you have more energy. It is a crystalline compound and can be found in coffee plants. C8H10N4O2
Taurine- A sulfur containing aminoacid it is important in the metabolism of fats. People already naturally have 70 times the amount of taurine found in a can of Red Bull in their body. C2H7NO3S
Chemistry's Role
When consumed Red Bull is said to give you wings. It might not physically give your body wings but it will give them to your brain. Red Bull will give your body a short term energy boost. This comes from the sugar and taurine. These things block the effects of adenosine which is a brain chemical involved in sleep. This then causes the brain to go into emergency mode and sends out adrenaline. Adrenaline makes your eyes dilate and heart beat faster. It can also cause the liver to release extra sugar into the bloodstream for energy. Which then gives you the extra energy you were looking for.
Background Research
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by an Austrian company known as Red Bull GmbH. In 2013 there were over 5.387 billion cans sold around the world. Red Bull gets its name from daeng meaning red and gaur which is an animal slightly smaller than a bull. The Red Bull company employes 9,694 people and can be found in 166 countries. But Red Bull isn’t just a drink it also a huge sports brand for people like Ryan Sheckler and Blake Griffin. It is very endorsed by celebrities.
Resources
http://scienceblogs.com/retrospectacle/2006/06/17/pop-science-the-chemisty-behin/
Ingredidents/ Compostion
http://energydrink.redbull.com/ingredients-red-bull
Ingredients
Company
Information on the label
http://wpachem.blogspot.com/2011/11/chemistry-behind-red-bull.
Chemistry
Body Functions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull
Background
Company
Facts
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/98947.php
`Medical Information
About the Author
McKenzie Elkins is a junior at Billings Senior High School. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and going on mission trips around the world to help those not as fortunate as she is. She hopes one day to become a Special Education teacher . She hopes one day to study abroad and wants to attend college in Colorado.