Caffeine is one of the most studied ergogenic supplements in sports. It contributes to increased alertness, endurance, and power, making it a valuable resource for athletes across various disciplines. But what makes caffeine such an effective compound?
🧠 Mechanism of Action:
🛑Adenosine inhibition → Increases alertness → Reduces fatigue → Improves decision-making under effort, reducing cognitive lapses in moments of exhaustion.🔥
🔥 Optimization of energy metabolism → Enhances fatty acid utilization → Reduces dependence on muscle glycogen → Increases metabolic efficiency during training.
⚡Increased intracellular calcium release → Improves muscle fibre activation → Increases contraction strength → Reduces muscle fatigue in high-intensity exercises.
❤️Improved blood Circulation → Enhances muscle oxygenation → Facilitates the delivery of essential nutrients and the removal of accumulated metabolites.
🏆 Impact on Sports Performance:
🏃♂️Increased aerobic endurance → Improved running economy → Reduced perception of effort → Ability to maintain high intensities for longer periods.
💪Enhanced strength and power → Greater force production → Increased ability to perform more repetitions until exhaustion → More efficient recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers.
⚡Improved sprint performance and explosive efforts → Intensified mental focus → Increased speed and explosiveness in short-duration activities.
🎯Enhanced coordination and reaction times → Faster neuromuscular responses → Greater precision and reactivity in sports requiring agility and sharp reflexes.
☕ Caffeine Consumption:
📏Recommended dosage: 3-6 mg/kg of body weight → Consume 30-60 minutes before exercise →
Response may vary depending on individual tolerance and regular consumption adaptation.
🍵Dietary sources: Coffee, tea, capsules, gels → Bioavailability may be influenced by intake method and nutritional context.
🧘♂️Strategic combination → Caffeine + L-Theanine → Improves concentration and focus without causing side effects such as nervousness or excessive heart rate increase.
⚠️ Precautions and Possible Adverse Effects:
🚫Doses exceeding 9 mg/kg → Increased risk of insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
⚠Excessive consumption may lead to: Tachycardia, tremors, irritability, and sleep disturbances, compromising muscle recovery and long-term performance.
🔋Energy in the right dose. Maximum performance. Push your limits! 🚀
- Front Psychiatry. 2017 May 26:8:80. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00080.
- J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jun 8;17(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00360-x.
- Nutrients. 2020 Apr 15;12(4):1087. doi: 10.3390/nu12041087.
- Sports Health. 2021 Jul-Aug;13(4):347-358. doi: 10.1177/1941738121998712.
- Sports Med. 2019 Jun;49(6):833-842. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0980-7.