The Open Nutrition Journal

2009, 3 : 8-10
Published online 2009 June 30. DOI: 10.2174/1874288200903010008
Publisher ID: TONUTRJ-3-8

Attention and Reaction Time in University Students Following the Consumption of Red Bull

Gendle Mathew H. , Smucker Darren M. , Stafstrom Jason A. , Helterbran Melanie C. and Glazer Kimberly S.
Department of Psychology, Elon University: CB2337, Elon, NC 27244-2010, USA.

ABSTRACT

In this double-blind study, the effects of consuming a single can (250 ml) of Red Bull®, Sugar Free Red Bull®, or a flavor/appearance-matched placebo on attention and reaction time were measured using a computerized continuous performance task, administered 30 minutes after drink ingestion. No significant differences in continuous performance task performance were related to ingestion of any of the drinks. Effects of Red Bull® or Sugar Free Red Bull® on continuous performance task performance are, therefore, negligible, and are no greater than potential psychomotor enhancements resulting from placebo expectancies.

Keywords:

Energy drink, continuous performance task, attention.