Deaths prompt Red Bull probe

A high-caffeine energy drink on sale in New Zealand for five years is under investigation because of fears it could be linked to three deaths in Sweden.

Red Bull energy drink is sold in more than 50 countries, but only through pharmacies in Norway, Denmark and France, where it is classified as a medicine because of its caffeine content.

Australia, where it is illegal to produce Red Bull, imports it from New Zealand.

The Swedish National Food Administration is investigating the drink after the recent deaths.

A 31-year-old woman collapsed in a nightclub in March after drinking two cans of Red Bull mixed with vodka. A second person died after also mixing Red Bull with vodka, while the third died after drinking several cans following a gym session.

Caffeine raises the heart rate and blood pressure. Red Bull also contains taurine, a building block of protein considered beneficial in small doses.

New Zealand's Health Ministry said it was monitoring overseas research into the drink but had received no complaints.

The Australia New Zealand Food Authority called for warning labels on the cans displaying the amount of caffeine and warning pregnant women and children not to consume it.

Spokeswoman Lydia Bookman said the authority had been investigating Red Bull well before the deaths.

Red Bull's makers deny any connection with the Swedish fatalities, saying it is more likely alcohol was a factor.

A study at Dublin's St James Hospital found that just two cans of the drink caused some arteries to dilate so blood pressure fell, while others stiffened, raising pressure. The two might cancel each other out, but adding alcohol could create unpredictable effects.

- NZPA