AUTHOR=Wang Jie-Ping , Wei Chen-Chan , Peng Yun-Dong , Wang Hsuan-Yun , Hung Chi-Hsiang , Hong Yin-Hui , Liou Yuh-Feng , Hou Chien-Wen 

TITLE=Dose caffeinated energy drink is a consideration issue for endurance performance

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.999811

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.999811

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=Energy drinks are commonly taken to improve exercise performance, but there are few studies on the
influence of different doses on an athlete’s performance. We conducted a double-blind, randomized,
counter-balanced, and crossover research study to examine the effects of varied doses of energy drink
consumption on the performance, haematological response, and oxidative stress in triathletes.
Enrolled participants underwent three testing sessions separated by weekly intervals, consisting of
sprint triathlon training (0.75 km swim, 20 km cycle, and 5 km run). Before and during the trials,
participants were randomly provided with either placebo (PLA), low energy drink (Low ED), or high
energy drink (High ED) supplement. Completion times in the High ED group increased significantly
compared with the PLA and Low ED groups (p < 0.05). However, participants in the Low ED group
also experienced an improved performance (p = 0.054). Analysis of variance revealed no differences
between the three groups in cortisol and testosterone levels, or the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion
score (p > 0.5). Furthermore, significant differences in the levels of mononuclear cells, superoxide
dismutase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed between the PLA and High ED
groups (p < 0.05). This indicates that energy drink consumption may improve performance and
reduce oxidative stress in sprint triathlon athletes. However, individual differences should be
considered when supplementing with energy drinks to decrease side effects.