Geschatte leestijd: 3 minutenResearchers from the University of Alabama recently brought to light the news of a man who suffered a brain hemorrhage shortly after consuming the energy drink Redline.
Brain Hemorrhage after Consuming an Energy Drink
In an article in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, the researchers discuss the case of a 57-year-old man who experienced a brain hemorrhage within fifteen minutes of consuming the energy drink Redline.
The man was transferred to the stroke department of the University of Alabama after being admitted to a local emergency room earlier. He experienced tingling and numbness in his right arm and right leg. After a CT scan, it was revealed that he had a small bleeding near the left thalamus.
He reported that the symptoms began approximately fifteen minutes after drinking a Redline. It was his first time consuming the energy drink.
Redline?
If you’re wondering why you’ve never heard of Redline, it’s because it’s not sold in the Netherlands. Energy drinks sold in the Netherlands may contain a maximum of 320mg of caffeine per liter. Both Red Bull and Bullit contain the maximum amount, with 80mg per 250ml in a can. Redline comes in different variants, with the “strongest” variant containing a whopping 316mg of caffeine in a 236ml bottle. That’s more than 4 times the caffeine content allowed in energy drinks in the Netherlands!
The label on the bottle consumed by the 57-year-old man did indicate that the bottle contained 2 servings. However, the man consumed the entire bottle at once, which according to the researchers is not uncommon.
Although Redline is not sold here, I still think it’s useful to draw attention to it. Redline is specifically marketed as a drink for bodybuilders looking to get leaner. Many posts on bodybuilding forums rave about it as a fantastic fat burner. However, there are also many reports of people feeling unwell after consuming it. Since Redline is available online from well-known Chinese shopping sites, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of this product being consumed in the Netherlands, especially by some in the bodybuilding scene.
Multiple Blood Pressure Increasing Ingredients
However, it’s not just the caffeine that poses a risk. Researchers from the University of Alabama also point out other ingredients that raise blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of blood vessels rupturing, especially if they were already damaged.
Some of the ingredients resemble amphetamine in structure and can activate the sympathetic energy system. This leads to a state of alertness and is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure to provide more energy. β-Phenylethylamine, green tea extract, hydrochloride, and yohimbine are ingredients in Redline that can increase blood pressure. Yohimbine and products containing yohimbine have been banned from sale in the Netherlands since 2007 for this reason (as well as for increasing heart rate).
The 57-year-old man in this case already had a history of high blood pressure, but problems after drinking Redline are not unheard of. Chest pain, palpitations, abdominal pain caused by bleeding in the intestines, and people collapsing after drinking are just a few examples.
Redline Flatline?
It’s clear that drinking Redline can cause significant problems, especially if you already have a history of high blood pressure and don’t stick to the recommended dosage.
References
- A. Venkatraman, A. Khawaja, A.H. Shapshak. Hemorrhagic stroke after consumption of an energy drink. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2016; DOI:
- Pausinystalia yohimbe or Corynanthe yohimbe are listed in Annex II of the Commodities Act Decree Herbal Preparations (valid until December 9, 2013). On May 28, 2007, the decision of May 10, 2007, was published in the Government Gazette, amending the Commodities Act Decree Herbal Preparations regarding yohimbe/yohimbine.
- caffeineinformer.com/vpx-redline-putting-people-in-hospital
