Evidence supporting the use of: Methylxanthine
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Methylxanthines, a class of compounds that includes caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, are widely used as athletic and exercise aids, with caffeine being the most prominent and extensively studied. The use of methylxanthines for enhancing athletic performance is strongly supported by scientific evidence. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that caffeine, in particular, can improve endurance, increase alertness, reduce perceived exertion, and enhance overall physical performance in both aerobic and anaerobic activities. The primary mechanisms involve antagonism of adenosine receptors, which leads to increased neurotransmitter release (such as dopamine and norepinephrine), enhanced central nervous system stimulation, and improved muscle contractility and fatty acid mobilization.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the American College of Sports Medicine, and other professional bodies recognize caffeine as an effective ergogenic aid when used in moderate doses (typically 3-6 mg/kg body weight). While much of the research focuses specifically on caffeine, other methylxanthines like theophylline and theobromine have similar, though milder, stimulant properties, but are less commonly used for this purpose. Side effects at high doses may include anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, and increased heart rate, but these are generally mild at recommended dosages. In summary, the use of methylxanthines, especially caffeine, as athletic and exercise aids is well-supported by robust scientific evidence.
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAAcetyl L-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Alpha D-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
Muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peppermint
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
Rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
Tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
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Whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
Yerba mate
Algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
antler
arginine creatine
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arachidonic acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
bicarbonate
Beef Protein
bovine protein
Bulbine natalensis
ba ji tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
coconut
casein
cardarine
capsinoids
citrate malate
capsiate
creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
dihydrocapsiate
deer velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
eurycomanone
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
ecdysteroids
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
ecdysterone
ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
Growth factors
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Guaranine
Glycerol
Higenamine
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
horny goat weed
isomaltulose
Isoleucine
kola nut
ketone salts
lactalbumin
Laxogenin
macamides
maral root
Mineral ascorbate
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Methylliberine
Mate
Mushroom
macaenes
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
Ornithine
Phosphocreatine
pyrroloquinoline quinone
paraxanthine
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pyruvate
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Palatinose
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
ribose
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Synephrine
Safed musli
salt
Sida cordifolia
Theobromine
Tripeptide
Trichilia catigua
Turkesterone
Trichopus zeylanicus
Theacrine
Teacrine
Tribulus Terrestris
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
Xanthine
Yohimbine