Low-Dose Caffeine May Improve Aerobic Time-Trial Performance - Takeaways - MDSpire

Low-Dose Caffeine May Improve Aerobic Time-Trial Performance

A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled crossover trials found reduced aerobic time-trial completion times with both low- and moderate-dose oral anhydrous caffeine, but the evidence was mostly derived from male participants, cycling studies, and trials using doses no higher than 6 mg/kg.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 29, 2026

  • 6 min

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  • 1

    Low-dose caffeine supplementation may improve aerobic time-trial performance in healthy adults, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • 2

    The review included 48 randomized, placebo-controlled trials with 689 participants aged 18 to 59 years, focusing on time-to-completion outcomes.

  • 3

    Low-dose caffeine (1.3-3 mg/kg) and moderate-dose caffeine (4-6 mg/kg) were both associated with reduced completion times in aerobic time-trials.

  • 4

    The study highlighted interindividual variability in caffeine responsiveness, particularly related to genetic factors affecting metabolism.

  • 5

    The authors called for future research to evaluate the risk-benefit profile of high-dose caffeine and its effects on performance and adverse events.

Original Source(s)

Low-Dose Caffeine May Improve Aerobic Time-Trial Performance

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • June 29, 2026

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