Caffeine intake almost always affects physical performance and cognitive processes responsible for awareness

Authors

  • Roberto De Giorgio University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Modena office: Via Università 4, 41121 Modena, Tel. 059 2056511 - Fax 059 245156 e-mail: urp@unimore.it Reggio Emilia office: Viale A. Allegri 9, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Tel. 0522 523041 - Fax 0522 523045 e-mail: urp@unimore.it http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9078-6155

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14450/2318-9312.v35.e2.a2023.pp133-147

Keywords:

Central Nervous System stimulants, dietary supplements, genetic background, military personnel, performance-enhancing substances, physical functional performance

Abstract

Sports foods and supplements can play a significant role in the sports nutrition plans of high-level athletes. It has been found that taking specific dietary supplements can have ergogenic and performance-enhancing effects. Over the past two decades, there have been no major changes in the recommendations for caffeine supplementation. However, scientific knowledge has been significant in recent times, such that the state of the art needs to be updated. This study aims to confirm that caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), a substance found in beverages such as coffee, tea and energy drinks, can be both an ergogenic support for individuals engaged in physical activity and an effective cognitive support. In this context, this review outlines the current framework of knowledge. The relationship between the uses and effects of caffeine in power and endurance sports has been demonstrated. In order to achieve and maintain the high levels of performance required in sporting events, planning proper sports diet supplementation can only strengthen and revitalize athletes after strenuous training. Furthermore, the effects of caffeine intake on the state of alertness have been evaluated in the military as well. Significant physical performance, such as marching over rough terrain, sometimes with very heavy loads, may be required during military training and tactical operations. In addition, operational situations with reduced or sleep deprivation may occur.Thus, several studies argue that genetic background, diet, gender identity and hormonal status have a bearing on the absorption, metabolism and physiological and functional effects of caffeine. Regarding the key points - individualized dosages and timing of caffeine intake - it would be desirable to go further with the studies to optimize the effects of caffeine. 

Author Biography

Roberto De Giorgio, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Modena office: Via Università 4, 41121 Modena, Tel. 059 2056511 - Fax 059 245156 e-mail: urp@unimore.it Reggio Emilia office: Viale A. Allegri 9, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Tel. 0522 523041 - Fax 0522 523045 e-mail: urp@unimore.it

Employment: Ministry of Defense, Military Academy in Modena, Italy, IT

Modena office: Piazza Roma 15, 41121 Modena, Tel. 059 8390490

e-mail: accademia_militare@esercito.difesa.it

Job title: Allied health professional. 

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Published

2023-07-03

How to Cite

De Giorgio, R. (2023). Caffeine intake almost always affects physical performance and cognitive processes responsible for awareness. Infarma - Pharmaceutical Sciences, 35(2), 133–147. https://doi.org/10.14450/2318-9312.v35.e2.a2023.pp133-147

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Review Article

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