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.
More about Methylxanthine
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1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione7-Keto-DHEA
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Agmatine
Algae
Algal protein
Alpha D-ribofuranose
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
amino acids
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine aspartate
arginine creatine
Arginine malate
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
ba ji tian
bacillus subtilis
BCAA
bee pollen
Beef Protein
beet
beta-alanine
bicarbonate
black ginger
black tea
bovine
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
brown rice protein
Bulbine natalensis
caffeine
Camellia sinensis
capsaicinoids
capsiate
capsicum
capsinoids
cardarine
casein
cistanche
citrate malate
cocoa
coconut
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Ribose
deer velvet
dihydrocapsiate
ecdysteroids
ecdysterone
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
elk antler
Ephedra
ephedrine
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
Fadogia agrestis
ginseng
Ginsenosides
glucose
Glutamine
Glycerol
Glycocyamine
GMS-ribose
green tea
guanidinoacetic acid
guarana
Guaranine
guayusa
Higenamine
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
horny goat weed
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
isomaltulose
jiaogulan
ketone salts
kola nut
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
l-isoleucine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
lactalbumin
Laxogenin
maca
macaenes
macamides
magnesium
maral root
Mate
Methylliberine
Methylxanthine
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Muira puama
Mushroom
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
omega-3 fatty acids
Ornithine
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Palatinose
paraxanthine
Peppermint
Peptides
Phosphatidic Acid
Phosphocreatine
Phytoecdysteroid
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protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline quinone
pyruvate
Quinoa Protein
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ribose
robusta coffee
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salt
sea salt
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spirulina
suma
Synephrine
Teacrine
Theacrine
Theobromine
Tongkat ali
tribulus
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Turkesterone
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
vitamin C
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Whey protein
Xanthine
Yerba mate
Yohimbine