Acute administration of Red Bull affects blood parameters in untrained and trained young males.

The worldwide consumption of energy drinks has grown globally during the last few decades among athletes and youth, because of their stimulant properties. Although these beverages are consumed in order to improve concentration, physical and cognitive performance, there is insufficient evidence or studies to confirm these claims. The aim of our study was to investigate if acute administration of Red Bull energy drink influences certain biochemical parameters of the blood as well as blood pressure and heart rate, under physical activity in trained and untrained healthy males. Thirteen healthy voluntary males between the ages 20-25 years participated in this study. They were organized in two groups: trained and untrained. Blood samples were drawn and certain hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after physical activity/Red Bull administration. Anthropometrical measurements were also determined. A significant increase of blood pressure and heart rate were noticed after Red Bull administration in all subjects, while the glucose concentration decreased. The concentration of total protein increased significantly after Red Bull administration, as did the activities of serum LDH, AST and ALT. These results indicate that acute consumption of energy drinks can affect biochemical blood parameters as well as the hemodynamic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]