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Originally posted by 16vmarc
i think the stuffs foul

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Stimulant drinks mixed with alcohol could affect the cardiac system.
Energy drinks such as Red Bull should carry official health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, as fears grow that they could pose serious health risks, say medical experts.

Scientists have demanded an international investigation into the effects of the drinks and warned users to exercise caution when mixing them with alcohol.

Millions of young people down the drinks each weekend, mixed with spirits such as vodka, to get an energy boost in nightclubs and bars.

But a report by Ireland's Food and Safety Promotion Board has issued the starkest official warning yet on the dangers of so-called stimulant drinks and has called for an investigation.

Researchers said the effects of mixing high-caffeine drinks with a depressive drug such as alcohol could have unknown effects on the cardiac system.

"If you already had an underlying heart problem, drinking a lot of this stuff could be the thing that tips you over the edge," said Catherine Collins of the British Dietetic Association.

The Irish report also advised that stimulant drinks could cause increased "irritability or anxiety" in those under the age of 16.

It also criticised the stimulants drinks makers for not recommending upper consumption limits and for associating the drinks with sport.

The report said that stimulant drinks should "not be consumed in association with sport and exercise as a thirst quencher".

The study was carried out after an 18-year-old Irish student collapsed and died during a basketball game after drinking up to three cans of Red Bull.

A jury found there was no evidence the drink was responsible for his death but ordered the inquiry.

The move came after concerns were raised by Swedish medical researchers after three people died - two after mixing drinks with vodka and one after downing several cans following a gym workout.

Market leader Red hull already sells its cans with a label advising pregnant women, diabetics and those with a low tolerance to caffeine not to drink it.

A Red Bull spokesman said that other high-caffeine drinks, such as coffee or Coca-Cola, were also mixed with alcohol.

"Red Bull is a non-alcoholic drink. It is used for energy by many leading athletes. It has always been marketed in this way and not as a thirst quencher." - Observer

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