The Effect of Caffeine on Health and Exercise Performance with a Cold Brew Coffee Approach: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Based on the effects of coffee and caffeine, in particular, a review study is needed to investigate associations between the caffeine consumption and its health-linked effects. Furthermore, effects of coffee on sport performance have not fully been elucidated. Based on the increased popularity of the cold-brew coffee, this study has provided a comprehensive overview of the effects of cold-brew coffee on health and exercise performance. Databases (PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar) were searched for articles on human models. Totally, 2805 articles were identified from 2000 to 2020. Keywords included coffee, caffeine, cold brew, exercise, training and sports performance. Studies involving caffeinesuppressing drugs and animal studies and cases with physical limitations were excluded and thus 84 articles were identified. Results showed that consumption of 3 to 4 cups of coffee (300-400 mg/day) was associated with decreased risk factors of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and Alzheimer disease. It is noteworthy that caffeine intake in specific groups, particularly in women, needs special consideration. However, health benefits of the cold-brew coffee seem to be greater due to the drink low acidity and high antioxidant activity. In this study, the most important factor included decreases in chlorogenic acid. Moreover, consumption of cold-brew coffee in warm weather prevented hyperthermia. In fact, 3-9 mg/kg of caffeine improved physical performance in resistance and endurance exercises. Caffeine consumption could increase lipid oxidation in aerobic exercises as well as stimulate sympathetic nerves in anaerobic exercises. However, investigation of the acute and chronic effects of consuming coffee in various contexts to achieve integrated results needs further investigations.