Caffeine and sports performance

Caffeine acts on the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle, which may have a beneficial effect on sports performance.

Caffeine, consumed by approximately 80% of the world's population, is found in more than 60 types of plants, including coffee beans and tea leaves, which are its main dietary sources. Caffeine also forms part of the composition of certain drugs and supplements and is used by the food industry in the production of energy drinks. This compound is rapidly absorbed in the intestinal tract and metabolized in the liver to paraxanthine, theophylline and theobromine. The derived metabolites, together with caffeine itself, exert a significant effect on athletic performance.

During exercise, caffeine can enhance performance by decreasing glycogen utilization and increasing free fatty acid mobilization. It also acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist and increases dopamine availability, which improves alertness and motivation. In addition, caffeine has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus promoting post-exercise recovery.

Not all people respond equally to caffeine and show the same beneficial effects in sports practice. There are multiple factors that can interfere, such as, for example, the degree of training, caffeine tolerance and genetics.