Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
09:11
Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions
Published on: October 2, 2018
12.9K
Interaction Between Caffeine and Creatine When Used as Concurrent Ergogenic Supplements: A Systematic Review
Sara Elosegui1, Jaime López-Seoane2,3, María Martínez-Ferrán1,4
1Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid,Spain.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Creatine (CRE) and caffeine (CAF) supplements may interact. While CRE loading doesn't seem to affect acute CAF benefits, chronic CAF use during CRE loading might hinder CRE's positive effects.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Creatine (CRE) and caffeine (CAF) are popular ergogenic aids.
- Controversy exists regarding their combined effects on athletic performance.
- Optimizing synchronous use protocols requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the ergogenic interaction between CRE and CAF.
- To analyze protocols for optimizing the concurrent use of CRE and CAF.
- To determine if combined supplementation interferes with individual benefits.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases until November 2021.
- Adherence to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.
- Inclusion of ten relevant studies investigating CRE and CAF interactions.
Main Results:
- Three studies indicated CRE loading before acute CAF intake did not impair CAF's ergogenic effect.
- One study found only acute CAF supplementation beneficial, not combined acute intake.
- Regarding chronic supplementation, findings were mixed: two studies suggested CAF interferes with CRE benefits, three found no interaction, and one reported synergy.
- CRE loading appears not to interfere with acute CAF effects.
- Chronic CAF supplementation during CRE loading may impede CRE's benefits.
Conclusions:
- Acute caffeine intake does not appear to be negatively affected by prior creatine loading.
- Concurrent chronic creatine and caffeine supplementation presents conflicting results, with potential for interference.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and optimize combined ergogenic strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
228
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
228
01:29Stimulants
458
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
458
01:16Experimental Designs
15.8K
An experimental design is a systematic process that allows researchers to evaluate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. There are three widely used types of experimental design - pre-experimental design, true experimental design, and quasi-experimental design. In pre-experimental design, the researcher compares the data before and after some interventions or treatments. The true-experimental design has more than one purposefully created group, a commonly measured...
15.8K
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
5.1K
Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...
Such synergistic combinations...
5.1K
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
2.1K
Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...
2.1K
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
1.1K
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
1.1K