Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is used as an ingredient in athletic and exercise aids primarily because of its high caffeine content. Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid with substantial scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving various aspects of exercise performance. Numerous clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that caffeine can enhance endurance, increase alertness, reduce perceived exertion, and improve certain strength and power outcomes. The majority of these effects have been observed at moderate doses (3-6 mg/kg body weight), which are easily achieved through coffee consumption.

Robusta coffee contains about twice as much caffeine as Arabica varieties, making it a preferred source in some sports supplements. The physiological mechanisms involve caffeine’s antagonism of adenosine receptors, leading to increased central nervous system stimulation, greater release of epinephrine, and enhanced mobilization of fatty acids, sparing muscle glycogen.

While most research uses pure caffeine or unspecified coffee, extrapolation to Robusta is justified due to its similar, but higher, caffeine content. However, individual responses to caffeine vary, and side effects such as jitteriness or gastrointestinal disturbance may limit its use for some athletes. Overall, the use of Robusta coffee as an athletic aid is strongly supported by scientific evidence regarding caffeine’s ergogenic properties.

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