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The consumption of caffeine and carbohydrates could help the athletes to recover more quickly after an intensive practice, according to a survey australienne1 small.

The caffeine-carbohydrate combination would allow the muscles to redo their reserves more quickly in glycogen, their main fuel during a physical effort.

The experience has been led by seven high-level bicyclists. These have been submitted to two intensive sessions of stationary bicycle. Following one period of practice, they should have ingested a drink containing of the carbohydrate; after the other session, one gave them the same drink with, in addition, of caffeine.

According to the results, one hour after the practice, the bicyclists presented similar rates of glycogen, no matter the drink consumed. However, four hours after having drunk the mixture containing caffeine, their reserve in glycogen was 66% more elevated than after having drunk the other drink.

Their rates of glucose and insulin were as superior, as well as the quantity of proteins that would be responsible for transporting glucose to the muscles toward.

What is the quantity of caffeine necessary to drag such an effect? In the present survey, the absorbed drink contained the equivalent of about five cups of coffee. The researchers now want to verify if a less elevated dose could have the same effect. It is necessary to say that some of the athletes underwent the backlash of a strong consumption of caffeine: some said to have had the unrest of sleep or to have endured tremors.

This preliminary clinical test would be the first to underline the regenerative effect of caffeine and carbohydrates on the muscles of the athletes after an intensive effort. Other studies already showed that the combination of carbohydrates and caffeine was beneficial to the athletes before and during the practice.

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