The problem: taurine

precautionary principle requires, the French Food Safety Agency has always issued negative opinions with regard to the product, because of possible effects on health. To enter the French market, the parent company of Red Bull has changed its recipe by replacing taurine with another amino acid, arginine . As a result, the drink, pack of 4 cans is present in our shelves since May. But the manufacturer, who markets his product in 25 of the 27 European states, he was afraid to discredit his brand? Still, he lodged a complaint against the French State before the Paris Administrative Court and claimed 300 million euros in compensation. The Ministry of Economy has negotiated. Against the withdrawal of the complaint, he endorsed the immediate commercialization of the original version of Red Bull with taurine and without arginine .

Back on the controversy Red Bull

Beyond the economic decor, the health aspect is always the same. Taurine (1 g in Red Bull is 5 times the amount that can be found in the diet) is suspected of effects on the thyroid . A second ingredient, glucoronolactone , would be harmful to the kidneys. In addition, the drink masks the effects of alcohol , especially vodka, which it is often associated with, promoting risk taking among young people.

So Red Bull or not Red Bull?

No need to demonize the Red Bull . It is above all a formidable marketing operation that has hit its target: young people. It is kept in mind that excessive consumption could have long-term adverse effects on health, that the drink is not recommended for pregnant women and young children. We do not go past the two cans a day and we watch her teenager from the corner of her eye.