The Effect of Creatine Nitrate and Caffeine Individually or Combined on Exercise Performance and Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Research snapshot:
2024 randomized controlled trial finds creatine nitrate and caffeine enhance cognitive function without affecting exercise performance.
2024 |
Randomized Controlled Trial |
Creatine Nitrate |
Cognitive Function |
Overview.
This study examined the effects of creatine nitrate and caffeine, alone and combined, on exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained athletes, finding improvements in cognitive function but not in exercise performance.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with Jacksonville State University, Islamic Azad University, Brandon University, and Qatar University conducted this study, which was published in the journal Nutrients.
Objectives.
The primary aim was to evaluate the effects of a seven-day high-dose intake of caffeine, creatine nitrate, and their combination on intense intermittent exercise performance and mental focus in resistance-trained males. Secondary outcomes included assessing the impact on cardiovascular hemodynamics and blood metabolite levels.
Study design.
This was a double-blind, randomized crossover trial involving twelve resistance-trained male athletes. Participants were supplemented with 7 days of creatine nitrate (5 g/day), caffeine (400 mg/day), and a combination of both. The study included baseline and follow-up evaluations of exercise performance, cognitive function, and blood chemistry, with a seven-day washout period between treatments.
Results.
The study found that the co-ingestion of creatine nitrate and caffeine significantly enhanced cognitive function, particularly in the Stroop Word–Color interference test, but did not improve exercise performance. No significant changes were observed in cardiovascular hemodynamics or blood chemistry, indicating the short-term safety of these supplements.
Conclusions.
The combined supplementation of creatine nitrate and caffeine boosts cognitive function without compromising exercise performance or safety. Future research is needed to explore long-term effects and diverse demographic populations.
Original paper.
Mabrey, G.; Koozehchian, M.S.; Newton, A.T.; Naderi, A.; Forbes, S.C.; Haddad, M. The Effect of Creatine Nitrate and Caffeine Individually or Combined on Exercise Performance and Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024, 16, 766. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060766
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