Caffeine taken on consecutive days of sports competition improves speed and endurance both days, according to a new study from Norway. Scientists have known for more than 100 years that taking caffeine before athletic competition improves strength, speed and endurance over all-out efforts lasting from 10 to 60 minutes (Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2013; 45 (11): 2175–83). That’s why the vast majority of athletes take caffeine before competing in sporting events. However it was not known whether the faster times and increased exertion from taking caffeine on one day would overstress the muscles so that it could harm performance when taken the next day.
The Norwegian researchers performed the first study to show that caffeine, when taken on consecutive days, improves sports performance even more on the second day (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Sept 2014;46(9):1787–1796). Eight world-class (VO2max 78.5) male cross-country skiers took different doses of caffeine or placebo 75 minutes before competing in an all-out effort for 10 minutes on two consecutive days. They found that:
• Caffeine improved performance over placebo on both days.
• Caffeine improved performance over placebo more on day two than on day one (five percent vs. four percent). This is highly significant because cross country skiers have only a 1.1–1.4 percent variation in their performances for both sprint and distance races.
• Doses greater than 4.5 mg/kg were not more effective than 3 mg/kg.
• performance with caffeine was associated with higher use of oxygen (VO2max), higher heart rate, higher adrenaline, and higher blood lactate.
• Caffeine was linked to more muscle damage on day two (more muscle pain and higher blood muscle enzymes).
How Caffeine Improves Performance
Caffeine increases endurance and strength by increasing the use of sugar for energy by muscles by as much as 26 percent (Journal of Applied Physiology, June 2006). See Caffeine Improves Endurance
Caution: Caffeine is a stimulant that should not be taken without your doctor’s permission if you have heart problems or any other illness.
Caffeine Content in Drinks
8 ounces of brewed coffee 100 mg
Brewed tea 50 mg
12 ounces of Coca Cola 35 mg
Caffeine pills 100-200 mg (check the label)
Detailed list of caffeine content in drinks
Dr. Gabe Mirkin is a Villager. Learn more at www.drmirkin.com
