The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think. The truth is, it depends on a variety of factors, including how much Red Bull you’ve consumed, your body weight, and even your metabolism.
That said, the general consensus is that the effects of Red Bull can last for up to 6 hours. So if you’re looking for a quick energy boost, Red Bull is certainly a beverage worth considering. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock, as you may find yourself up a bit later than you anticipated!
The effects of Red Bull can last for up to 6 hours. If you drink Red Bull before bed, you may have trouble sleeping. If you are concerned about the effects of Red Bull, talk to your doctor.
At this point in the history of branding at live events, it’s become undeniable that Red Bull and EDM go hand in hand. No matter what festival or concert venue is hosting a dance music show, you can bet that somewhere on site there’ll be a energy drink vendor and the iconic blue and silver coloring. The company’s longstanding partnership with some of the most exciting and high-octane sporting and music events has made it an expected staple in the scene, but what’s often overlooked is the beverage’s startling array of health risks associated with its consumption.
Personalise, a UK-based gifting site, recently published a graphic that details exactly what’s happening inside the body during the minutes and hours that follow a can of Red Bull. With the science behind the drink now in full view, it’s no wonder that some nights have gone sour simply from consuming a can or two.
According to the research, the caffeine found within Red Bull begins to permeate the blood stream within 10 minutes, causing an increased heart rate and blood pressure level. 15 to 45 minutes later, the user will begin to feel more concentrated and wired, depending on how fast they consumed the drink.
30-50 minutes later, the caffeine absorption is complete and the drink’s effects truly begin to set in. Dilated pupils, heightened blood pressure, and bursts of insulin due to increased blood sugar all start to take effect. The liver dumps sugar into the blood stream, and converts it into fat. The adenosine receptors in the brain are also blocked from experiencing drowsiness.
The sugar crash begins about one hour later, when the caffeine effect begins to wear off and overall energy decreases. If the user went to the bathroom, they also will have urinated out all of the water contained in Red Bull, along with the valuable nutrients it could have given to the body.
The overall level of caffeine in the body is halved after five to six hours. For women on the Pill, however, this process will take 10 hours.
Withdrawal symptoms begin to kick in from 12 to 24 hours after consumption, with users experiencing the urge to drink another can. As is the case with any kind of substance withdrawal, effects like drowsiness, headaches, irritability and constipation can all take effect.
Seven to 12 days later, and the body will become used to the level of caffeine consumption and feel less of the effects. This means, if Red Bull is had regularly for a week or more, users will start to need more before they get the same “energy high.”
Check below for the full graphic, and make sure you understand the risks before popping open your next can at a festival. And beware when mixing red bull with alcohol like vodka; preliminary studies have shown that the mixture of high doses of caffeine and alcohol can have similar effects on brain chemistry as cocaine.
Most people in this modern technological era have busy and demanding lifestyles. For many of us, a can of Red Bull or other energy drink helps us wake up in the morning and power us through a long tiring afternoon or on a long car trip.
People have become reliant on this energy surge, but what effect does a Red Bull or any energy drink have on your body, and for how long will the effects of Red Bull last before wearing off?
The effects of energy drinks, both positive and negative, are continuously subject to scrutiny.
However, once you have all the information, you can decide how best to consume the popular energy drink for maximum benefit, for your health and requirements, and better understand “how long does Red Bull last” once consumed.
How Long Does Red Bull Last in Your System?
The effects of Red Bull can last from one to four hours before wearing off and vary from person to person depending on body type, caffeine tolerance, and any health-related issues.
The half-life of Red Bull is approximately six hours, meaning that Red Bull should be out of your system within twelve hours of you consuming it.
What Happens When You Drink a Red Bull?
The energy surge obtained while drinking Red Bull is achieved due to your body’s reaction to the caffeine and the high amount of sugar.
If you drink Red Bull daily, you will find that after twelve days, your body will adapt to your daily caffeine dosage and have a more negligible effect.
The following is a step-by-step guide to how Red Bull affects you as it enters your body:
- During the first ten minutes of drinking Red Bull, caffeine absorption into the bloodstream occurs, and your body responds by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
- The caffeine levels will peak within 15-45 minutes of Red Bull being consumed, depending on how fast you drink it. After that, you will feel alert and find that your concentration levels have improved.
- Between 35- 50 minutes, your body has fully absorbed the caffeine, and sugar absorption will occur.
- After an hour, you will probably experience a “sugar crash” caused by sugar levels in your bloodstream dropping, resulting in a feeling of energy loss.
- Caffeine achieves its half-life after about six hours, meaning that 50% of the caffeine has left the bloodstream.
- For most people, all the caffeine will have been removed from their bloodstream twelve hours after drinking their Red Bull
- After twelve hours, some people will experience withdrawal-like symptoms, while some may feel the need for more caffeine.
Is Red Bull Bad for You?
The United States FDA and European Food Safety Authority have repeatedly reaffirmed the safety of energy drinks such as Red Bull and their contents.
What is of concern to many is whether energy drinks can be consumed daily and what effect drinking two or more will have?
The recommended daily dosage of caffeine is 400mg. However, Red Bull, has 80mg in an 8,4oz can which is well within the maximum dosage. Most People also have a few cups of coffee daily. A regular cup of coffee contains 100mg of caffeine.
Regulating energy drinks and other caffeinated drinks consumption to stay within the safe caffeine dosage is recommended. Like coffee, it is recommended not to drink it too close to bedtime especially if you have problems getting to sleep.
Red Bull contains 27mg of sugar per 8.4oz can, equating to nearly 7 teaspoons of sugar, and is nearly the entire recommended daily value.
Consuming too many drinks containing large amounts of sugar can cause long-term issues such as heart disease or stage-2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Like everything we consume, moderation is the keyword.
As long as you monitor the number of cans consumed to regulate caffeine and sugar intake and don’t take it too late to affect your sleep you can safely enjoy a drink that “Gives You Wings” when you truly need it.