Caffeine Boost · 120 capsules

Caffeine as an active ingredient belongs to the methylxanthine group. It is classified as a nootropic because it has been shown to sensitize neurons and have a mentally stimulating effect in subjects in several studies (2). The main function of caffeine is to exert an antagonistic effect on adenosine. Adenosine itself has a relaxing and calming effect on the corresponding receptors in the brain. In one study, caffeine effectively inhibited this effect, causing the test subjects to become more alert and attentive (3). Originally, caffeine was extracted from coffee beans, but nowadays the active ingredient is largely produced synthetically. Caffeine is usually drunk and many people consume it daily in the form of coffee or energy drinks, but it is also very popular in the form of pre-workouts or as capsules and tablets. In principle, the form of intake is irrelevant to its effectiveness, as the structure of the caffeine it contains is always the same. According to researchers, caffeine is probably the most effective legally available stimulant (4). Furthermore, experts are even of the opinion that it would probably be subject to prescription if it were not for the widespread consumption of coffee and tea in our society, making it culturally indispensable (5).

The benefits of caffeine for athletes

The most well-known property of caffeine is that it is said to stimulate the central nervous system and thereby improve attention and concentration. This effect has been independently established in several studies and is considered to be scientifically proven (6). It should be self-explanatory that better focus can have a positive effect on athletic performance (1). However, if researchers are to be believed, caffeine has many more effects on athletic performance. In one study, for example, caffeine increased the breathing rate, which resulted in a better oxygen supply and a lower oxygen debt during physical exertion (7). Of particular interest to strength athletes, however, is the fact that scientific studies have shown that caffeine can increase muscle contraction under load (8). In the subjects of this study, this resulted in a significant increase in strength (9). In addition to strength, caffeine was also able to improve the physical endurance of the test group, as the intake of caffeine resulted in an increased mobilization of fatty acids for the purpose of energy supply (10). If more fatty acids are used for energy supply, the body needs less glycogen from the glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. As a result, the glycogen stores are emptied more slowly and more energy is available over a longer period of time (11). This increased mobilization of fatty acids from the body's fat stores is also an interesting factor during a diet. Many dieters only resort to caffeine before cardio training in order to achieve precisely this effect. Using more fat as an energy source is synonymous with increased fat burning (12). Of particular interest to dieters in this context is the fact that caffeine has been shown in studies to increase metabolic rate by 3% (13). Furthermore, caffeine also acted as a weak diuretic in one study, flushing water out of the subcutaneous tissue of the test subjects (14).

What to watch out for with caffeine

Unfortunately, regular caffeine consumption in the form of coffee, tea and other sources of caffeine can lead to the body becoming desensitized to the effects of caffeine (15). The body becomes accustomed to the effects and the dose of caffeine required for the known effect increases. In light of this, it is recommended to avoid other sources of caffeine and only consume caffeine before exercise. If the body is not used to a regular caffeine intake, 200 mg of caffeine taken around 30 minutes before training could result in a significant increase in performance in test subjects (16). The effect was even better when caffeinewas not taken before every training session, but only twice a week before particularly intensive training sessions (1). It was not for nothing that caffeine was on the IOC's doping list in higher doses until a few years ago. If it is no longer possible to achieve an effect by taking caffeine, it sometimes makes sense to avoid caffeine completely for a while or to reduce the dose significantly (17).

Caffeine is an active ingredient that is an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether in coffee, pre-workout or as a tablet, most people consume caffeine on a regular basis. This is hardly surprising when we look at the results of the numerous studies that have already been carried out on caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to improve attention, alertness and focus, thus boosting the performance of test subjects. As usual, GN Laboratories supplies the active ingredient in the highest quality, so that nothing stands in the way of the effect. Caffeine Boost from GN Laboratories - Because in the end only results count.