January 2007

If you haven't heard, Red Bull – the fizzy, energy drink – is the mixer of the moment among the fashionable, hard-partying crowd.

A 250ml serving contains 27g of sugar and almost as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Consequently, drinkers who mix it with their booze want to party longer, reporting reduced sleepiness and increased sensations of pleasure.

However, a Brazilian study has found that alcohol and Red Bull is a potentially dangerous combination. According to research commissioned by the Federal University of São Paulo, mixing the two significantly reduces the perception of headaches, weakness and a dry mouth, meaning drinkers have less sense of being impaired by drunkenness. Anne Jenkins from Alcohol Concern says the study highlights the danger of excess drinking in relation to personal safety. "Any drink that heightens a person's perception of being in control, when they're not, could increase the risk of harm."