Red Bull energy drinks contain high doses of caffeine and other controversial ingredients like Niacin (Vitamin B3). When consumed excessively, niacin can accumulate in the liver and causes hepatitis. Caffeine overdoses are associated with heart problems.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was developed serious side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is in Red Bull?
Active ingredients in Red Bull include sugar (27-g), caffeine (84-mg), taurine (1,000-mg), glucuronolactone (600-mg), inositol, D-Pantothenol, niacin, and Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6). Each 8.3-oz can contains 110 calories.
What is the problem?
In today’s fast-paced society, millions of people use energy drinks to stay awake, alert, and focused. The problem is that Red Bull and other energy drinks have been linked to serious health risks.
Niacin in Red Bull and Hepatitis
Red Bull contains a blend of B-vitamins, including niacin (Vitamin B3). In high doses, niacin can accumulate in the liver and cause severe inflammation. There have been reports of people who consumed excessive amounts of niacin in energy drinks (at least 150mg per day for a few weeks) and developed toxic hepatitis or acute non-viral hepatitis.
Liver Risks of Rockstar Energy
- Toxic hepatitis
- Acute non-viral hepatitis
- Liver inflammation
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Hepatotoxicity
- Liver failure
- Death
Red Bull Pays $13 Million Settlement for False Advertising
In May 2015, a federal judge in New York approved a $13 million settlement to resolve two class action lawsuits alleging that Red Bull energy drinks were falsely advertised as superior to coffee. In reality, an 8-oz can of Red Bull (84-mg) contains only about half the caffeine of a 7-oz cup of coffee (115-mg to 175-mg).
Red Bull Lawsuit Filed in New York
In October 2013, an $85 million lawsuit was filed on behalf of Cory Terry, a 33 year-old man from Brooklyn who died of a heart attack after drinking a Red Bull.
FDA Links Red Bull and 21 Serious Adverse Events
In 2012, the FDA released a report (PDF) describing 21 serious adverse events linked to Red Bull energy drinks since January 2004. Ten of those reports involved hospitalization or life-threatening side effects. Most of the injuries were cardiovascular, but psychiatric events and physical effects were also reported.
Caffeine and Heart Problems
Caffeine is clearly associated with cardiovascular events, especially for people with pre-existing heart problems (often undiagnosed). Among pregnant women, high caffeine intake is linked to miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Teenagers and children are also more susceptible to high blood pressure and other adverse effects.
Risks of Caffeine Toxicity
- Irregular heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia)
- Racing heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Cardiac arrest
- Seizures and convulsions
- Heart attack
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- And more
Do I have a Red Bull Energy Drink Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a heart problem after drinking Red Bull, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
