Caffeine on the Brain-A Critical Review

et International Journal on Emerging Technologies 15(2): 01-04(2024) ISSN No. (Print): 0975-8364 ISSN No. (Online): 2249-3255 Caffeine on the Brain- A Critical Review Catherine Shalini R.*, K. Saranya Devi, Janane S.S. and Sangavi Velusamy Department of Physiotherapy, KMCH College of Physiotherapy, Dr. NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), India. (Corresponding author: Catherine Shalini R.*) (Received 23 April 2024, Revised 03 June 2024, Accepted 11 July 2024) (Published by Research Trend, Website: www.researchtrend.net) ABSTRACT: Ergogenic aids are often divided into five categories: (1) mechanical, (2) psychological, (3) physiological, (4) pharmaceutical, and (5) dietary. Caffeine is one of the most effective and safe ergogenic aids. Any athlete wants to be the best game changer in their industry. An athlete's dream is to achieve great performance and receive rewards. Ergogenic aids are drugs that enhance athletic and fitness performances. The saddest aspect is that they might be deadly if not properly guided in the sphere of sports and fitness. When it comes to caffeine, more is always better and safer, but the recommended amount alone is safe. Caffeine plays a key role in the brain. Caffeine administration alters a person's brain waves, emotions, and behaviour. Ergogenic aids serve an important part in achieving peak athletic performance and fitness. Who doesn't enjoy a caffeine kick? Caffeine not only improves athletic performance, but it also boosts a person's mood and emotions. Numerous changes occur in the brain when caffeine is administered. Caffeine consumption is associated with both favourable and negative outcomes. Keywords: Ergogenic aids, Caffeine, tea, energy drinks, soft drinks, chocolate. INTRODUCTION Coffee Arabica, which originated in Ethiopia and expanded to other parts of the world between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries A.D., is used extensively to extract caffeine. In today's world, caffeine (1, 3, 7trimethylxanthine) is frequently consumed regularly. Caffeine consumption is widespread throughout most of the world, irrespective of age or socioeconomic standing. Every coffee bean has a unique chemical makeup that includes different types of proteins, minerals, lipids, carbohydrates, acids and other nitrogenous substances including trigonelline and caffeine. The molecule can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, soft drinks, chocolate, and other foods and beverages, as well as in medications. Theophylline, theobromine, and caffeine are the three members of the xanthine group that are present in all of these compounds, caffeine is the most potent. This drug affects brain activity and can have both positive and negative consequences. It can be consumed by infusions, pharmaceuticals, or soft drinks that contain caffeine (Anderson et al., 2018). The species and variety of coffee, the methods used before and after harvest, the presence of defective beans, and the roasting profile all affect how much of each component is present in a given amount (Anderson et al., 2018). Coffee contains a lot of acids; up to 11% of green beans and 6% of roasted beans are made up of acids. The ultimate quality of the cup is greatly influenced by the concentrations of certain acids in the roasted beans (Ashton, 1987). According to Santanatoglia et al. (2023c), the two main types of acids found in coffee are Shalini et al., organic acids (OAs) and chlorogenic acids (CQAs). However, some inorganic acids, including phosphoric acid, can also be found in coffee (Yeager et al., 2023). While few studies have looked into OAs, particularly in brewed coffee, many have addressed CQAs in coffee. Since roasting significantly alters the composition of green coffee beans, the primary acidic molecules present in them are CQAs, quinic acid, citric acid, and malic acid (Sunarharum et al., 2009). Caffeine and the nutritional state of the organism can affect basic neural functions such as the ability of normal organisms to focus attention to accomplish a task as well as the creation of normal brain electrical activity (Brice and Smith 2002). The importance of this topic and the paucity of research on the interaction between caffeine and nutrition emphasize the need for methodical, clinical, and experimental examination (Clavel et al., 1987). Caffeine on the Brain: The regular use of stimulants such as coffee and malnourishment brought on by a low-protein diet can cause disturbances in the electrical and behavioral organization of brain activity. This disruption is particularly bad if it happens early in childhood, during the time of intense brain development (De Aguiar, 2012). Coffee drinking has a major impact on brain function, especially because of its caffeine level. Studies show that individuals who regularly consume coffee have different patterns of functional connectivity in their brains and that long-term coffee use affects intrinsic brain networks (Guedes et al., 2012). Research has demonstrated that the main ingredient in coffee, caffeine, raises brain entropy, indicating a greater International Journal on Emerging Technologies 15(2): 01-04(2024) 1 capability for information processing throughout the cerebral cortex (MacMahon, 1981). By inhibiting adenosine receptors in the brain, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and raises arousal and alertness. Studies have shown that regular caffeine consumption can change the brain's gray matter, albeit these effects seem to be transient and not always detrimental (Nehlig, 2004). Moderate dosages of caffeine appear to have a variety of behavioral impacts on people. We can specifically mention two of these: (i) better performance on tasks requiring attention, or long-lasting reactions when the alertness has been reduced; and (ii) enhanced alertness and decreased weariness, especially when working in low-stimulation environments, like at night (Brice and Smith 2002). Moreover, caffeine gives consumers control over how much of it they consume; that is, consumers appear to take caffeine just when necessary to reap its benefits, which include improved mental function and reduced weariness (Dagan and Doljansky 2006; Giesbrecht et al., 2010). Caffeine modifies brain waves. By modifying brain activity and changing the strength and frequency of various brain wave patterns, Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects brain waves by decreasing the number of peaks in particular frequency bands and raising the power of global waves, according to research. Caffeine dosages can affect brain asymmetry in several ways (Schmauz et al., 1974). For example, greater doses might affect the percentage of different brain wave types, such as alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. Caffeine can also affect brain function and cognitive processes by increasing beta waves and decreasing slower brain wave activity. Caffeine consumption and brain physiology are intricately related, as evidenced by the changed electrical activity and functional states of the brain caused by its impact on brain waves (Sunarharum et al., 2014). Sources of Caffeine: Caffeine intake daily is almost always recorded retrospectively, although screening in the lab is generally avoided. There are two reasons why this comes as a surprise. Most people think that coffee is the only thing they consume that contains caffeine, and they forget or are unaware that other products also contain caffeine, including tea, energy and soft drinks, hot chocolate, some food items like cakes and candies, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications like cold remedies and analgesics (Brice and Smith 2002). There were significant variations in the average daily intake of caffeine from coffee alone for men aged 30 to 44 (324 mg/kg), 45 to 59 (426 mg/kg), and 60 to 75 (359 mg/kg). These amounts were 288 mg (4.2 mg/kg), 322 mg (4.6 mg/kg), and 314 mg (4.5 mg/kg) for women, in that order. Throughout the three age groups, men's intake of caffeine from soft drinks, medicines, and chocolate dropped from 16.9 to 10.9%; women's intake fell from 15.9 to 8.9%. Medication-related caffeine was a men's stable 6 mg and women's average 9 mg. Men consumed 72, 13, and 12% of their daily caffeine intake from coffee, soft drinks, and tea during the three age groups; women consumed 60, 9.5, and 27% of their daily caffeine intake from these sources. Shalini et al., Caffeine Ergogenic Aids: As a popular ergogenic aid, caffeine can improve one's physical and athletic performance. By inhibiting adenosine receptors and releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, caffeine functions as a central nervous system stimulant, boosting alertness and energy. It can increase the force and endurance of muscle contractions, especially during high-intensity workouts. Moreover, coffee promotes the recruitment of muscle fibers and postpones weariness. It has been demonstrated that caffeine enhances endurance performance in sports including swimming, cycling, and running. One of the most popular ergogenic aids utilized worldwide is caffeine. Given that caffeine is widely available and included in foodstuffs and nutritional goods, it's critical to comprehend the potential be ergogenic to enhance athletic ability. After consuming coffee, there has been a consistent body of research showing improved aerobic endurance performance. Reduced ratings of perceived effort (RPE) during submaximal, aerobic activity have been linked to this. While there is a long history of research on the effects of caffeine on aerobic exercise, the body of knowledge regarding the ergogenic effects of caffeine for highintensity anaerobic and strength-based performance is less developed. Studies conducted at Costill's Laboratory in the 1970s showed increased lipolysis and sparing of muscle glycogen during endurance exercise. Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence in the literature on the ergogenic benefits of acute caffeine ingestion regarding strength and power performance. This body of research is still being developed, and variations in the approaches and protocols used, variations in the amount of caffeine given, and variations in the participant group under investigation (e.g., trained vs. untrained) all contribute to discrepancies in the findings on this topic. For instance, Astorino and Roberson (2010) found that when caffeine (6 mg/kg) was consumed in the bench press, there was a nonsignificant increase in total mass lifted at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of 1RM by 11% and 12%, respectively, compared with placebo. In a sample of female resistance-trained individuals, Goldstein et al. repeated this design and found that consuming 6 mg/kg of caffeine significantly increased 1RM bench press performance, but did not influence ergogenic effects during repetitions to failure at 60% 1RM. In a similar vein, a group of males with modest training levels saw significantly higher repetitions to failure during the bench press exercise after consuming 5 mg/kg of caffeine, according to Duncan and Oxford. Similarly, other studies have shown increases in peak torque during 35 repetitions of leg extension and flexion following caffeine ingestion (7 mg/kg) in highly trained strength and power athletes, an increased number of repetitions during the first set of leg extension performance to failure during a multi-set protocol (6 mg/kg caffeine with 10 mg/kg aspirin), and an increase in total weight lifted during bench press performance after caffeine ingestion (5 mg/kg). On the other hand, research has shown that consuming coffee does not improve one's ability to perform with International Journal on Emerging Technologies 15(2): 01-04(2024) 2 strength and power when doing resistance training. According to Beck et al. (1993) 31 men with varying backgrounds in training did not see a significant increase in 1RM bench press strength after ingesting a caffeine-based supplement (containing 201 mg caffeine). Similarly, Sitsapesan and Williams (1990) found that consuming 300 mg of ephedra and caffeine together had no effect on the performance of the Wingate Anaerobic Test, the lat pulldown, or the 1RM bench press. In a more recent study, a multi-exercise regimen in which 14 resistance-trained males consumed 6 mg/kg of coffee and then performed 4 sets of the bench press, leg press, bilateral row, and shoulder press exercises until failure. They found that there was no real effect to acute caffeine consumption in terms of improving It can improve power and strength during brief, highintensity workouts. During exercise, caffeine may also enhance mood, focus, and cognitive function, all of which could lead to better performance. Taking into Account Caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person depending on tolerance, heredity, and regular consumption. Although caffeine is currently not prohibited in sports, it is part of the World Anti-Doping Agency's monitoring program. Children and teenagers should consume caffeine with caution as it might negatively impact their sleep, behaviour, and cognitive abilities. To sum up, caffeine is a popular and useful ergogenic supplement that can improve performance during high-intensity exercise and endurance. In regards to Addiction and Withdrawal, Consistent caffeine use can result in physical dependence. It is a somewhat addictive chemical. Fatigue, irritability, and headaches are withdrawal symptoms. In regards to Interactions with Drugs, Antidepressants, for example, may interact with caffeine to decrease their effectiveness or raise the possibility of side effects. Children and adolescents who consume caffeine may experience unfavorable impacts on their behaviors, sleep quality, and cognitive abilities. Excessive dosages may result in jitteriness, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. While excessive levels of caffeine during pregnancy may raise the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight, moderate caffeine consumption is generally thought to be safe. The effects of caffeine may be more noticeable in older persons because of changes in body composition and metabolism that come with aging. Excessive dosages may result in tachycardia, anxiety, and sleeplessness. CONCLUSIONS Coffee is a beverage that is used all around the world, thus people are quite interested in learning about its potential health effects. The conventional wisdom on coffee's largely detrimental effects on health has given way to a profile that is probably favourable. The evidence supporting this hopeful view comes from recent observations on world mortality as well as the relatively obvious benefits of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver protection. The inclusion of coffee brew as a functional food is justified by the infusion's shown health benefits. According to Bisht and Sisodia Shalini et al., (2010), coffee is the functional food that people throughout the world drink the most. Compared to other functional foods that affect a more specific group, coffee consumption has a wider demographic influence (Dórea & da Costa 2005). Every day, new health benefits associated with coffee beverages are found. According to recent studies, when caffeine is ingested realistically and in real-world circumstances, it can improve performance (Brice and Smith 2001b). The question of whether caffeine could lessen the negative effects of sleep deprivation and exposure to extreme environmental and operational stress was examined by Lieberman et al. (2002). Regarding caffeine, most users can typically regulate their intake to maximize the positive effects and minimize or avoid negative effects from overindulging or consuming it at the wrong times. FUTURE SCOPE Future study should focus on identifying which genes may influence caffeine metabolism. Understanding the genetic variables that govern caffeine metabolism may help explain why people react differently to it. Tolerance and Safety Doses of caffeine, Further research is needed to determine the extent to which caffeine tolerance develops. Most contemporary research contrast caffeine "naive" individuals with habitual users, yet 80% of the population reports regular caffeine use, making non-users an outlier. To better determine tolerance, people who have received recurrent caffeine administration should be compared to placebo controls. In Neurodegenerative disorders Caffeine has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Future study should investigate caffeine's neuroprotective qualities and mechanisms of action in various disorders in order to create novel therapeutic methods. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of are promising areas for further research. These qualities may have applications in pharmacology and cosmetics. Further research into caffeine's therapeutic effects on pain, motor function, and respiratory function is also necessary. Acknowledgement. KMCH College of Physiotherapy, Dr. NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore. REFERENCES Anderson, J. R., Hagerdorn, P. L., Gunstad, J., & Spitznagel, M. B. (2018). Using coffee to compensate for poor sleep: Impact on vigilance and implications for workplace performance. Applied ergonomics, 70, 142147. Ashton, C. H. Caffeine and health. 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