The Effects of Red Bull Energy Drink Compared With Caffeine on Cycling Time-Trial Performance

This study investigated the ergogenic effects of a commercial energy drink (Red Bull) or an equivalent dose of anhydrous caffeine in comparison with a noncaffeinated control beverage on cycling performance. Eleven trained male cyclists (31.7 +/- 5.9 y 82.3 +/- 6.1 kg, VO2max. = 60.3 +/- 7.8 mL . kg(-1) . min(-1)) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study involving 3 experimental conditions. Participants were randomly administered Red Bull (9.4 mL/kg body mass [BM] containing 3 mg/kg BM caffeine), anhydrous caffeine (3 mg/kg BM given in capsule form), or a placebo 90 min before commencing a time trial equivalent to 1 h cycling at 75% peak power output. Carbohydrate and fluid volumes were matched across all trials. Performance improved by 109 +/- 153 s (2.8%, P=.039) after Red Bull compared with placebo and by 120 +/- 172 s (3.1%, P=.043) after caffeine compared with placebo. No significant difference (P>.05) in performance time was detected between Red Bull and caffeine treatments. There was no significant difference (P>.05) in mean heart rate or rating of perceived exertion among the 3 treatments. This study demonstrated that a moderate dose of caffeine consumed as either Red Bull or in anhydrous form enhanced cycling time-trial performance. The ergogenic benefits of Red Bull energy drink are therefore most likely due to the effects of caffeine, with the other ingredients not likely to offer additional benefit.