RED BULL gives you wings. INFORMATION FOR COMPETITIVE ATHLETES AND THOSE WHO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS. MORE ENERGY MEANS MORE SUCCESS.

Athletes experience intense mental the power of Red Bull Energy Drink, and physical stress and strain during and there is a good scientific basis competitions and also when they for them doing so. Red Bull Energy are training. Red Bull Energy Drink Drink and its benefits have been has been specially developed to tested and proven repeatedly in a provide the additional energy that series of comprehensive studies. athletes need to overcome physical and mental stress throughout­ train- This brochure explains how Red ing as well as before, during and Bull Energy Drink works, and gives after competitive events. Athletes competitive athletes advice on how from a variety of sports rely on to use it successfully.

“I drink Red Bull 30 minutes before every race, when I drive and any time I get tired. Red Bull gives me that extra boost that I need!” Lindsey Vonn/USA, Alpine Skiing

2 3 RED BULL. THE ENERGY DRINK THAT VITALIZES BOTH BODY AND MIND.

Since its launch in 1987, quite a enhanced performance following number of studies have been un- con­sumption of Red Bull Energy dertaken to understand the physio­- Drink. Ever since Red Bull Energy logical significance of Red Bull Drink was introduced to the mar- ­Energy Drink and its unique com- ket, it has been used by champions bination of ingredients. These stud- in both recreational and competi- ies, carried out by doctors and sci- tive sports to achieve improved per- entists renowned in their particular formance. In addition to the results fields, indicate that Red Bull Energy obtained from scientific studies, Drink produces a significant in- the ongoing partnership between crease in both physical performance a wide variety of athletes and Red and cognitive functions. The studies, Bull Energy Drink is testimony to some of which had the participation­ the fact that Red Bull Energy­ Drink of top athletes, provide evidence of actually works.

“Red Bull tastes great and, with all the demands and variables that come with the sport of surfing, it gives me all the extra energy I need to train and compete in the best waves on the planet!” Jordy Smith/, Surfing

4 5 “Before I ride, I use Red Bull to prepare my body RED BULL IS THE ENERGY DRINK to give me what I need when I really start to push the limit.” THAT DOES WHAT IT PROMISES. Daniel Pedrosa/, Motorbike Road Racing Red Bull Energy Drink and its Performance was measured as time effect on the body. Since the be- to complete a standardized amount ginning of the 1990s, a series of of work equal to 1 h of cycling at sportsmedi­cine studies on Red Bull 70% Wmax (max. workload). When Energy Drink have explored its compared to the cyclists who con- effects on physical performance. sumed the placebo, those who drank Some of the major studies are de- Red Bull Energy Drink showed im- scribed below. proved performance, although there A study by Ivy et al., University was no difference in rating­ of per- of Texas, U.S.1, investigated the ceived exertion between treatments effects of Red Bull Energy Drink, (Fig. 1). ingested prior to exercise, on en- These results demonstrate that con-­ durance performance. Following a sumption of Red Bull Energy Drink 12 h fast, trained cyclists, male and prior to exercise can improve endur- female, consumed either 500 ml of ance performance, and that this im- flavored placebo or 500 ml of provement might be due in part to Red Bull Energy Drink 40 min pri- increased effort without a concomi- or to a simulated cycling time trial. tant increase in perceived exertion.

Time/sec Time/sec Red Bull Placebo 4750 Red Bull Placebo 4750 4500 4500 4250 40004250 37504000 35003750 32503500 30003250 3000 0 Subjects 12 345678 9101112 avg. 0 Subjects 12 345678 9101112 avg. 6 7 In a study carried out by ISME (the The study revealed a significant Institute for Sport, Medicine and increase in endurance at the maxi- Nutrition in )2, the ­effects mum intensity level with Red Bull of Red Bull Energy Drink on per- Energy Drink compared to placebo formance were determined for and control drinks (Fig. 2).

­endurance-trained athletes. Cycling “I like drinking Red Bull each time to push my limits! on a cycle ergometer, the subjects Based on different parameters Red Bull gives me wings!” performed three trials and were ­measured during the study, the Guillaume Chastagnol/, Snowkiting ­given different drinks between each ­authors concluded that the increase one: a placebo (carbohydrate solu- in endurance was due to an im- tion), a control drink (carbohydrate provement in the heart’s pumping solution with caffeine) and Red Bull capacity. Energy Drink.

Fig.2 - Endurance time at the individual maximum intensity level

Control Group

Placebo

Red Bull Energy Drink

sec. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

8 9 A study on the physical perfor- This finding further confirms the mance of non-athletes was con- previous results obtained by Geiss ducted at the Department of Psy- et al., and once again demonstrates chology, University of the West the role of Red Bull Energy Drink of England, Bristol3. This study in boosting endurance. demonstrated a significant increase in aerobic endurance and anaerobic performance following administra- tion of Red Bull Energy Drink ver- sus the control drink (Fig. 3).

Fig.3 - Aerobic endurance time at highest intensity level

Control Group

Red Bull Energy Drink

sec. 960 980 1000 1020 1040 1060 1080 1100 1120

“I drink Red Bull before all my final rounds because it helps me focus when I need it the most.” Daniel Dhers/Venezuela, BMX Street

10 11 Improved pumping capacity of the optimum supply of energy. Ath- heart increases the maximum oxygen letes need proper training and nu- uptake, which leads to improved trition to maximize their perfor- performance (endurance). The pump-­ mance. In addition to proper sports ing capacity of the heart can be nutrition, adequate fluid intake ­determined directly by means of (water, etc.) is crucial, especially ­ultrasonic tests (echocardiography). during intense sport­ing activities. This type of testing was carried out Without adequate fluid intake, this by the Institute of Sports Medicine intense physical activity could lead at the University of Paderborn in to dehydration. As Red Bull Ener- Germany4 to establish the effect of gy Drink has not been formulated Red Bull Energy Drink on heart to deliver rehydration, we encour- performance. Subjects were given age those who are engaged in sport different drinks before maximum to also drink lots of water during exertion. It was shown that their intense exercise. cardiac stroke volume (the quantity Summary of blood pumped into the arteries Red Bull Energy Drink is an en- with each heartbeat) was higher af- ergy drink specially developed for ter taking Red Bull Energy Drink periods of increased physical ex- than after drinking the placebo or ertion. As shown above, there is control drinks (Fig.4). extensive evidence of Red Bull Athletic performance and, in par- Energy Drink increasing endur- ticular, endurance, depends on an ance performance.

Fig.4 - Stroke Volume

130 120 110 100 90 80 “Paddling on whitewater requires full concentration and fast reactions. 70 Drinking Red Bull before paddling helps me to stay vigilant.” 60 50 Jana Dukatova/Slovak Republic, Kayak

ml Before Drink After Drink After Exercise (rest) (rest) 12 13 Red Bull “A can of Red Bull enables me to keep my concentration high and, at the same time, increases my endurance and reaction speed.” makes champions. Antonio Cairoli/Italy, Motocross Even extremely fit athletes fail to Red Bull Energy Drink contains give their best performance if they substances that have a positive in- lose concentration during a sporting fluence on mental strength. This has activity. Attention or vigilance, con- been demonstrated through neuro- centration and reaction time reflect physiological and neuropsychologi- the mental capacity of the brain and cal tests applied by various working can play a critical role in winning or groups. losing a game or race. While it is rel- The Institute for Sports Medicine at atively easy for an athlete to evalu- the University of Paderborn in Ger- ate his or her physical strength, it is many used EEG (electroencepha- considerably more difficult for them lography) to analyze the influence to determine their mental strength. of Red Bull Energy Drink on brain It is often only during the analysis activity. Athletes were recruited for that takes place after a defeat that this study5, which involved testing athletes recognize the existence of on a cycle ergometer. problems like lack of attention and concentration and/or delayed reac- The test consisted of three trials, tion time. This can be a real prob- and the volunteers were given a lem for athletes. The secret lies in placebo (carbohydrate solution), good mental preparation, adequate a control drink (carbohydrate so- sleep, rest and relaxation, and ad- lution with caffeine) or Red Bull equate sports nutrition. Optimizing ­Energy Drink before each one. The these elements has been shown to results revealed the greatest increase enhance mental power. Enhanced in readiness potential – which in- mental focus, together with fierce dicates alertness and concentration determination, are critical factors, – in those who had drunk Red Bull not only in sport, but also in every- Energy Drink as opposed to those day life. They are factors that deter- who were given the control and pla- mine success or failure. cebo drinks.

14 15 In a double-blind, placebo controlled The test demonstrated that the “With Downhill Mountain Biking being such an intense sport, study carried out at the Univer- values for vitality and social extro- you need every advantage you can get, and any competitive edge you sity of Vienna, 6, volunteers version as well as the sum of the can gain over your rivals has got to be capitalized on. I drink Red Bull were subjected to electro-physio- values for well-being were much to ensure that I am alert and on top of my game when I need to be.” Gee Atherton/UK, Mountainbike Downhill logical tests to evaluate their atten- lower in the placebo group than tion, mood and reaction time. The they were in the one given the study showed that reaction time Red Bull Energy Drink’s active improved in the group that had ingredients (Fig. 5). Psychometric been given Red Bull Energy Drink’s tests were also performed to evalu- active ingredients (caffeine/taurine/ ate attention. One, the so-called glucuronolactone). To gauge the “d2”, is a speed-and-power test that “perceived state” of the volunteers, measures attention capacity in a the “Basler Befindlichkeit” question­ stressful situation. The “d2” showed naire, a standard test for assessing an improvement in the values for mood in terms of life quality and psychomotor speed as well as for emotional well-being, was used. overall power of concentration in a stressful situation following con- sumption of the Red Bull Energy Drink’s active ingredients (caffeine/ taurine/glucuronolactone).

16 17 Two further studies were conducted According to the study, in addition at Loughborough University in to lessening subjective sleepiness, “Red Bull picks me up after a hard training session. And apart from the Leicestershire7,8, which houses the unforced driving errors and reac- drink itself, the can reminds me of my racing car, which always gives me a lift.” leading British institute that special­ tion time were significantly reduced Sebastian Vettel/Germany, Formula 1 izes in the effects of tiredness and in the sample group that had drunk sleep. Researchers used a car simula- Red Bull Energy Drink (Fig. 6). tor to examine the effects of Red Bull Fatigue from exertion could also Energy Drink on sleep-deprived lead to fatal accidents in motor drivers, those who are likely to have sports and other competitive or concentration lapse-related accidents. extreme sports. These incidents are The findings showed a consistent not uncommon in sports, and the reduction in subjective sleepiness data suggests that the consumption after taking Red Bull Energy Drink. of Red Bull Energy Drink may help These findings were corroborated to reduce their frequency. by corresponding EEG tests.

Fig.6 - Driving mistakes caused by somnolence

Placebo Red Bull 16

12

8

Number of Errors 4

time (min) before break (30) 0-30 30-60 60-90 90-120

18 19 The group of scientists from the This includes mental focus and University of the West of England determination. Red Bull Energy Drink, in Bristol3 reported that Red Bull with its effects on mental acuity and Energy Drink had positive effects subjective well-being, is the ultimate on cognitive tasks. They described partner to your sporting career. a significantly reduced reaction time and improved subjective alertness, Red Bull Energy Drink increases and concentration and memory (Fig. 7). improves vigilance, reaction speed and concentration. Summary Ample evidence exists to show that a sound mind is just as important as a healthy body when it comes to winning.

Fig.7 - Concentration task

Correctly performed tasks

30

20

10

0 average prior to test nothing Water Placebo Red Bull

“I use Red Bull in my everyday life, both in and out of training. Red Bull is directly linked to my performance on court. I always drink it about half an hour prior to my practice sessions and matches.” Alison Cerruti/Brazil, Beachvolleyball

20 21 THE RECIPE FOR THE SUCCESS OF ATHLETES AROUND THE WORLD.

Red Bull Energy Drink contains in- The ingredients in Red Bull Energy gredients that enable the body and Drink are carefully selected and the mind to function at a high level, combined. even in situations that cause mental and physical strain.

Red Bull Energy Drink contains the following key ingredients:

B Vitamins Sugars taurine niacin sucrose caffeine pantothenic acid glucose glucuronolactone vitamin B6 inositol vitamin B12

“I drink half a can of Red Bull about 20 minutes before competition starts, then the rest right before my final run.” Tanner Hall/USA, Freeskiing

22 23 Properties and physiological effects of the ingredients.

Caffeine Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has Caffeine is known for its stimulating removed caffeine from its doping effects on psychological and physi- list. While the IOC (International ological functions – such as concen- Olympic Committee) has accepted tration, reaction speed, alertness and this, it is only a recommendation, endurance performance.9 which means that it is not binding on countries and associations. In spite Caffeine also stimulates the burning of this, we still suggest that athletes of body fat during endurance activi- limit their consumption of Red Bull ties, which means it helps to use fat Energy Drink to 3– 4 cans, which stores in the body for energy instead equates to 240–320 mg of caffeine, of its glycogen (= sugar), which can prior to and during events. Before then be preserved. Caffeine intake this IOC decision, the limit they during endurance activities, there- set was 12 mg of caffeine per litre fore, results in a more efficient sup- of urine. That was equivalent to the ply of energy. During extended peri- consumption of 500–600 mg of caf- ods of exertion especially, this leads feine (6–8 cans of Red Bull Energy “Seriously, Red Bull makes a big difference in my to a significant improvement in per- Drink or 6–8 cups of filter coffee) skating days, gives me more disposition, strength, formance and endurance. over a period of 1–2 hours. During concentration and willingness to always go more.” strenuous physical activity, we rec- Sandro Dias/Brazil, Skateboard Vert Because it acts as a stimulant, caffeine ommend athletes drink sufficient was initially placed on the list of fluids in the form of water, prefer- banned substances for athletes. As of ably in a 1:1 ratio, in addition to their January 1, 2004, however, the World Red Bull Energy Drink.

24 25 “Red Bull keeps me focused and energized so that I can compete Taurine Taurine is often described as a at my best both on and off the field. It gives me the extra push needed to continually perform at top levels.” Taurine is one of the most abundant conditionally essential amino acid Thierry Henry/France, Soccer amino acids in the human body. It (an amino acid that under certain is found in high concentrations in circumstances is not synthesised muscle, brain, heart and blood. A in sufficient quantities in the body). person weighing 70 kg has approxi- Premature infants show renal tau- mately 70 g of taurine distributed rine loss, which is the reason for throughout their body. Put another the ingredient’s inclusion in most way, a 70 kg person has 70 times the infant formulas. amount of taurine in his body natu- rally than that contained in one can Taurine has several physiological of Red Bull Energy Drink. Taurine functions in the body. Inter alia, is also found in the daily diet (e.g. it is involved in detoxification scallops, fish, poultry). processes.10

To date, more than 2,500 reports have been published regarding tau- rine and its physiological effects.

26 27 Glucuronolactone Vitamins Glucuronolactone is a carbohy- Vitamins are essential micronu- “In my sport I don’t use any equipment. The connection drate derivative, which is a natural trients that are required for main- between body and mind has to be perfect. Red Bull Energy Drink constituent of the human body. It taining normal physical functions. helps me make that connection to perform at the highest level is also present in human nutrition The B vitamins contained in in practice and in competition.” such as red wine and grain. Red Bull Energy Drink inter alia Orlando Duque/Colombia, Cliff Diving play a key role in mental perfor- Carbohydrates mance and energy metabolism Red Bull Energy Drink contains (buildup and breakdown of carbo- carbohydrates in the form of su- hydrates, fat and protein). A short- crose and glucose, which give a cal- age of B vitamins leads to a drop in orific value of 45 kcal/100 ml. The both physical and mental abilities.11 consumption of drinks high in car- bohydrates, especially before, dur- ing and after exercise, is important because the body will use them for energy, protecting muscle’s own immediate reserves of glycogen. This means that periods of exer- tion can be maintained for longer and more intensely. The carbohy- drates found in Red Bull Energy Drink can also supply new sources of energy when the body’s reserves of glycogen are exhausted. Liquid nutrients can also help offset the effects of an insufficient intake of foodstuffs. This is particularly im- portant after exercise because after periods of intensive physical and mental activity, the athlete may feel a distinct lack of appetite.

28 29 RED BULL GIVES YOU WINGS, WHENEVER YOU NEED THEM.

It is generally recognized that during Before: physical activity our bodies require “You need a lot of physical and more micro- and macro-nutrients. mental energy in my sport. More An athlete can only realize his or her than anything else, you need to be full performance potential if the levels able to concentrate properly to make of these nutrients remain adequate. the right split-second decisions. The way Red Bull Energy Drink is Red Bull gives me added energy and used in sports varies depending on helps me concentrate at just the the athlete and the type of sport. right moment.” Based on the experience of many Shaun White / USA, Snowboarding top athletes, there are a number of different ways of using the product:

“I use Red Bull during very intensive and long training units. After my regular warm up, I drink a can of Red Bull in order to prepare my body for the rest of the workout. It not only gives me the power to sustain intensive training sessions, but also prepares my mind for the rest of it.” Daniel Unger/Germany,

30 31 During: Because of the active ingredients it “My favorite Red Bull is in T2. This contains – carbohydrates, taurine, means after a one hour swim and glucuronolactone, caffeine and vita- five hours bike. Then I have a cold mins – the consumption of Red Bull Red Bull before I start the mara- Energy Drink can make a signifi- thon with wings...” cant contribution to the enhance- Natascha Badmann/, ment of performance in sports. Triathlon

After: “There are three times in particular when I use Red Bull: after training and competitive events to recover faster, and during the race itself. Between the qualifying and the final rounds, I drink a can of Red Bull to refill my energy tanks.” Robby Naish/USA, Windsurfing

“In an 82-game season, plus the NBA Playoffs, you’ve got to bring your A game every night, so I drink Red Bull to keep me focused and alert on the court. Red Bull gave me wings during my first playoff triple double.” Rajon Rondo/USA, Basketball 32 33 LITERATURE.

1 Ivy J.L., Kammer L., Ding Z., Wang 7 Horne J.A., Reyner L.A., Beneficial B., Bernard J.R., Liao Y.H., Hwang effects of an “energy drink” given to J., Cycling time trial performance sleepy drivers. Amino Acids 2001; improved by ingestion of a caffeine 20, 1, 83-89. energy drink. International Journal 8 of Sports Nutrition and Exercise  Reyner L.A., and Horne J.A., Effi- Metabolism 2009; 19: 61-78. cacy of a “functional energy drink” in counteracting driver sleepiness. 2 Geiss K.R. et al., The effect of a Physiology & Behaviour 2002; 75, taurine-containing drink on per- 331-335. formance in 10 endurance-athletes. Amino Acids 1994; 7, 1, 45-56. 9 Goldstein E.R. et al., International society of sports nutrition position 3 Alford C. et al., The effects of stand: caffeine and performance. Red Bull Energy Drink on human J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010; performance and mood. Amino Jan 27;7(1):5. Acids 2001; 21, 2, 139-150. 10 Lourenço R. Camilo ME., Taurine: 4 Baum M., Weiß M., The influence of a conditionally essential amino acid a taurine-containing drink on cardi- in humans? An overview in health ac parameters before and after exer- and disease. Nutr Hosp. 2002; cise measured by echocardiography. Nov-Dec 17(6):262-70. Amino Acids 2001; 20, 1, 75-82.

11 5 Barthel T. et al., Readiness potential IoM (Institution of Medicine): in different states of physical activa- Dietary Reference Intakes for thia- “Especially in extreme situations, tion and after ingestion of taurine- min, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, Red Bull helps me to keep the focus on the most important facts, and/or caffeine-containing drinks. folate, vitamine B12, pantothenic so I can still push myself to the limit - and even higher.” Amino Acids 2001; 20, 1, 63-73. acid, biotin and choline. National David Lama/Austria, Freeclimbing Academies Press, Washington DC. 6 Seidl R. et al., A taurine- and caffeine- 1998. containing drink stimulates cognitive performance and well-being. Amino Acids 2000; 19, 3/4, 635-642.

34 35 “I use Red Bull before each contest in order to stay concentrated and efficient during my different runs. I like drinking Red Bull for training, because I need strength and power during a long period of time.” Matthias Dandois Delaigue/France, BMX

www.redbull.com on cover page: Robby Naish/USA, Kitesurfing Wave