Caffeine and Athletic Performance

Many athletes enjoy a caffeine-lift either as a morning eye-opener, during daily coffee breaks, before training and during competitions.

Researchers in Switzerland recommended that athletes and people who exercise refrain from drinking coffee before playing sport, training or exercising. They have found that caffeine (the amount contained in two cups of coffee) limits the body's ability to increase blood flow to the heart during physical activity.

During exercise or increased physical activity, the body requires an increased amount of oxygen, because the heart needs increased blood flow. The research findings indicate that caffeine may interfere with the signalling process, and consequently, blood flow to the heart does not increase as required. This stunts athletic performance.