Red Bull

Red Bull is an energy drink company owned by Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya from Thailand.

Red Bull is very active in advertising and sponsorship, primarily for extreme sports such as air racing, snowboarding, skateboarding and motocross.

Red Bull also sponsors several auto racing teams including the Forumula One teams Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso.

The drink was developed in the early 1980s in Thailand, and gained popularity among truckers and farmers. Starting in 1987, marketing firm Blendax adapted the drink and distributed it in Austria. The beverage now sells over three billion cans worldwide every year.

Several rumors have spread regarding the possible negative health effects of Red Bull. Though the drink is banned in Norway, Denmark and several other countries, rumors that the beverage can cause growth of brain tumors has been revealed to be unfounded.

Despite no direct evidence of the harmful effects of taurine or caffeine in small doses, Red Bull recommends not consuming more than two cans in a single sitting. It is also advised not to consume Red Bull mixed with alcohol, as the flavor can dilute the taste of vodka and other spirits and lead to an unsafe level of alcohol consumption.

1. Water
2. Glucose
3. Sucrose
4. Taurine
5. Caffeine
6. Sodium Citrates
7. Carbon Dioxide
8. Glucuronolactone
9. Inositol
10. Caramel

German retailers were ordered to stop selling Red Bull's cola beverage, Red Bull Cola, on May 25, 2009, after traces of cocaine were found in the popular drink. Testing showed de-cocainized coca extract, which would still classify the cola as a narcotic. Manufacturers claimed that de-cocainized coca extract is a common food additive, but government officials are still considering a nationwide ban of the beverage.Daily Mail: Red Bull Cola Could Be Banned in Germany - After Traces of Cocaine...