Caffeine in sport

Abstract

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that acts by several mechanisms and affects many biological functions. Generally recognized as a safe substance, it is consumed all over the world through food and beverages that contain it. Caffeine exhibits wide inter-individual differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the tolerance and addiction that develop with regular consumption. In sport, caffeine at mild to moderate doses increases performance, including improvement of general and muscle endurance, increased mobilization of fat from adipose tissue and muscle cells, decreased perception of fatigue, increased locomotor activity, influence on reaction time, level of alertness, improvement of visual perception and increased number of activated muscle fibers. Due to its confirmed ergogenic effect, the use of caffeine in sport had been prohibited for many years, but nowadays it is considered safe and efficient supplement allowed in sport. Yet, its use is still monitored during sport competitions, with an aim to prevent the possibility of misuse.