Research suggests benefits of caffeine for endurance athletes Aug 2010

A study conduced by the University of Coventry's Department of Bio-molecular Study and Sports Science has shown potential benefits of caffeine consumption for those involved in endurance events such as long-distance runners. The effect of an increased intake of caffeine was tested on both the power output and endurance of the lower leg muscle in mice, under both maximal and sub-maximal activities. The researchers suggest that the results show caffeine increased muscle performance in sub-maximal activities, which in humans can range from everyday activities to running a marathon. It is suggested that increased caffeine in blood plasma may act at receptors on skeletal muscle, causing enhanced force production. Caffeine intake is known to increase feelings of alertness and energy. It may also affect the body's ability to use its fat stores as an energy source during exercise. Caffeine is added to a range of sports drinks to help improve endurance, particularly among those involved in long duration exercise such as marathons, club football, etc. Where the caffeine level of sports drinks is greater than 150mg/litre the product must be labelled with both the amount of caffeine present and a statement that it has a high caffeine content. Caffeine is added to some sports and energy drinks. If present at levels greater than 150mg/litre the product must carry a clear statement on the label indicating the levels present and label it as having a high caffeine content. Link to Coventry University news item http://www.coventry.ac.uk/staffnet/current-e-dition/a/9478