Sustaining the Caffeine Advantage: The Science of Sustained Energy, Exercise, and Fat Burning

By Jose Antonio, Ph.D.

Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the world. Whether in a beverage such as coffee or tea or as a supplement, caffeine is most often used for its well-known energy-boosting properties and its ability to improve concentration. With traditional caffeine-delivery systems, however, these benefits peak early and then quickly fade. This title reveals times are changing. The benefits of caffeine can now last throughout the day. How? With the newest method of caffeine delivery-sustained release caffeine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
• Release date: Feb 1, 2006
• ISBN: 9781591205647

Jose Antonio, Ph.D.

Jose Antonio, PhD, is a well-published research scientist in the sports nutrition field. He holds a BS in biology from the American University, an MS in exercise physiology from Kent State University, and a PhD in endocrinology and metabolism from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Antonio has years of experience in the supplement industry. His current position is senior manager for category development at Active Nutrition. He has also published articles in Men's Fitness, Flex, and Muscle and Fitness magazines. He and his wife, Karla, live in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Book preview

Sustaining the Caffeine Advantage

The Science of Sustained Energy, Exercise, and Fat Burning

Jose Antonio, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., F.A.C.S.M.

The information contained in this book is based upon the research and personal and professional experiences of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other healthcare provider. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the direction of a healthcare professional.

The publisher does not advocate the use of any particular healthcare protocol but believes the information in this book should be available to the public. The publisher and author are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this book. Should the reader have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any procedures or preparation mentioned, the author and the publisher strongly suggest consulting a professional healthcare advisor.

Basic Health Publications, Inc.

28812 Top of the World Drive

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949-715-7327

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Antonio Jose.

Sustaining the caffeine advantage : the science of sustained energy, exercise, and fat burning / Jose Antonio.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-1-59120-564-7

1. Caffeine—Physiological effect. 2. Caffeine—Therapeutic use.

I. Title.

QP801.C24A56  2005

613.8′4—dc22

2005004576

Copyright © 2005 by Jose Antonio, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., F.A.C.S.M.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.

Editor: Jane E. Morrill

Book Design and Typesetting: Gary A. Rosenberg

Cover Design: Think, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

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Contents

1 • It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

2 • The Sustained-Release Advantage

3 • Energize Me!

4 • Peak Performance

5 • Fat Assassin

6 • Caffeine FAQs

7 • A Laundry List of Benefits

Notes

About the Author

1

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Caffeine is the most commonly consumed supplement in the world. This is true for three primary reasons. First, it increases your mental and physical energy, enabling you to work and play longer and harder. Second, it enables you to exercise harder for a longer period of time, so you achieve your goal more quickly. Third, it helps your body to burn more fat, so you lose more weight in a shorter time.

These benefits are short-lived with traditional caffeine-delivery systems, which peak early and leave your system quickly. But times are changing. A new sustained-release caffeine delivery system is now available. Before we examine it, let’s look at caffeine in general.

WHAT IS CAFFEINE?

Chemists technically refer to caffeine as an alkaloid, of which there are several types. Caffeine belongs to a specific class of alkaloids called methylxanthines. Other members of this class include theophylline, which is used in medicines to treat asthma, and theobromine, which is found in chocolate. All methylxanthines have stimulant properties.¹

Caffeine is chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. Figure 1.1 below shows its chemical structure.

The benefits of caffeine can be grouped into the following categories: energy, performance enhancement, and thermogenesis. Let’s look at each of them in turn.

Figure 1.1 The Chemical Structure of Caffeine

Me = methyl group CH3

 N  = nitrogen

 O  = oxygen

Energy

Perhaps the most common reason for consuming caffeine or a caffeinated beverage is its pick-me-up effect. Let’s face it. You could be moving slower than a sloth on tranquilizers, but with a little help from caffeine, you can have the energy of a race horse in the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby. Everyday experience confirms the energy benefits of caffeine, and scientists have conducted studies verifying these effects:

• It provides you with the energy to complete mental tasks faster and more easily.

• It gives you the energy to remain alert when your brain is begging for sleep.

• It furnishes the energy boost you need if you just want to feel better.

Caffeine—Yesterday and Today

Caffeine is found