Page 80 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Winter 2016

An Ongoing Series

Caffeine and Performance

Angela M. Yarnell, PhD, MS; Patricia Deuster, PhD, MPH

ABSTRACT
Caffeine Use and Pharmacology
The role of caffeine in enhancing performance has been
studied for years, and there is no doubt that caffeine can Most adults in America consume moderate doses of
be performance enhancing. Also, a wealth of informa- caffeine in various forms on a daily basis. Caffeine is
tion allows for an interesting distinction between physi- typically found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, dietary supple-
cal and cognitive performance. Most adults in America ments, energy drinks, energy shots, and chocolate, as
consume moderate doses of caffeine in various forms on well as over-the-counter pills and gums. It may be added
a daily basis as caffeine is typically found in coffee, tea, as caffeine anhydrous (a white powder) or as a con-
soft drinks, dietary supplements, energy drinks, energy stituent of various natural products (coffee, kola nuts,
shots, and chocolate, as well as over-the-counter pills and tea leaves, yerba maté, and guarana, to name a few).
gums. Although caffeine is readily available and widely Caffeine and caffeine-like substances also are found in
consumed, when using it to enhance performance, a few many other foods and beverages as well as nonfood
factors should be considered. The authors discuss caf- supplements (caffeine toothpaste, skin spray, patches,
feine use among Servicemembers, its properties and ef- medications, and gummy bears). A chart with the caf-
fects on physical and cognitive performance, how to use feine content of various beverages, foods, and over-the-
it to optimize performance, and, finally, some of safety counter medications can be found at http://hprc-online
and regulatory considerations. The bottom line is that .org/nutrition/warfighter-nutrition-guide-chapter-8-1
all individuals do not respond the same way to caffeine /caffeine-chart-pdf. Importantly, energy drinks continue
and their response depends on how the body uses and to rise in popularity as a source of caffeine, especially
breaks down caffeine. Thus, as a user, you should moni- among young people.
tor your own responses and performance changes when
using caffeine based on the general recommendations In 2013, underwear infused with caffeine was marketed
provided. as a weight loss aid, but the Federal Trade Commission
said the companies were using deceptive advertising.
Keywords: caffeine; performance enhancement At this time, oral application appears to be the primary
mode of delivering an effective “dose” of caffeine. Skin
patches and sprays have less evidence of effectiveness.
Introduction
People report using caffeine for different reasons, in-
In a previous issue, we discussed the use of caffeine to cluding the desire to feel awake, taste of the product
counter fatigue during periods of restricted sleep. In this containing caffeine, for social aspects, improved con-
article, we provide a more-detailed discussion of caf- centration and/or mood, physical energy, and alleviation
feine as a performance-enhancing substance. Although of stress. Consumption patterns also differ for several
1
caffeine is readily available and widely consumed, when reasons, ranging from biological factors like sex, age,
using it to enhance performance, a few factors should be and tolerance or habituation, as well as social factors
considered. We discuss caffeine use among Servicemem- like environment and culture. 2
bers, caffeine’s properties and its effects on physical and
cognitive performance, how to use it to optimize perfor- Caffeine consumption is not monitored in the military,
mance, and, finally, some of the safety and regulatory and standard rations include caffeine supplements in
considerations for caffeine. the form of caffeinated gums, mints, puddings, and

64