Caffeine and Creatine Use in Sport

Background/Aims: Caffeine and creatine are 2 of the most widely available and used compounds in sport. Although the use of either is not considered a doping infraction, the evidence does suggest ergogenic potential in certain sports. The purpose of this paper is to review the pharmacology and potential mechanism(s) of action of caffeine and creatine as they pertain to possible use as an ergogenic aid in sport. Methods: Previous review articles on caffeine and creatine use in sport were screened for relevant information and references, and studies for review and recent articles (2007 onwards) were obtained and reviewed using a PUBMED search with the terms ‘caffeine AND exercise’, ‘creatine and creatine monohydrate AND exercise’, and appropriate linked articles were evaluated. Results: Caffeine taken before (3–6 mg/kg) or during (1–2 mg/kg) endurance exercise enhances performance, through central nervous system and direct muscle effects. Creatine monohydrate supplementation at higher (approx. 20 g/day ! 3–5 days) or lower (approx. 5 g/day ! 30 days) doses increases skeletal muscle total and phosphocreatine by 10–20%. Creatine supplementation appears to minimally but significantly enhance high-intensity sport Published online: February 22, 2011 Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, McMaster University 1200 Main St. W., HSC-2H26 Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5 (Canada) Tel. +1 905 521 2100, ext. 76593, Fax +1 905 577 8380, E-Mail tarnopol @ mcmaster.ca © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel 0250–6807/10/0576–0001$26.00/0 Accessible online at: www.karger.com/anm D ow nl oa de d by : 54 .7 0. 40 .1 1 11 /5 /2 01 7 7: 07 :3 9 P M