Caffeine and sport: recent studies

New interesting evidence related to the involvement of caffeine in sport performance has been published during the last month.

The first of these studies suggests that 6 mg/kg BW caffeine supplementation improves by ~2% rowing (2000 m effort)
performance; combination with sodium bicarbonate seems to prevent performance enhancement, due tu GI side effects.
Further investigation to minimize GI symptoms is required. Health claims on caffeine have received favorable opinions by EFSA but have caused concerns with Member States.

The second one reports that adding 8 mg/kg BM caffeine to postexercise carbohydrate (CHO) feedings seems to improve subsequent high-intensity interval-running capacity compared with CHO alone. This effect may be related to higher rates of postexercise muscle glycogen resynthesis previously observed under similar feeding conditions. In line with EFSA health claim assessment (still controversial with Member States) it may be interesting to suggest on label to take
caffeine supplements after the intake of CHO, or with CHO. Nevertheless the recommended dosage in the study seems to be too high (560 mg/day for a 70 kg person).

In both studies a potential concern seems to be related to the levels of caffeine used. For example EFSA, in its opinions, takes into
account lower levels of caffeine compared to those used in trials; Member States allow lower amounts of caffeine in food supplements (Belgium bans solid caffeine). In Italy, for example, no more than 300 mg/day caffeine are informally allowed.

These studies provide further support to the use of caffeine in sports under some circumstances, although levels may be an issue.

Armando Antonelli – Sport Nutrition Team

Hylobates experience? Wonderful mix!

A training stage that introduces in job’s world is undoubtedly an important milestone for a new graduate, but even more so is the ability to carry out in Hylobates Consulting, leading company in Italy that offers the most advanced scientific and regulatory applied knowledge in food safety, on labeling and health claims for food supplements, dietetic products and common foods, as well as regulatory dossiers on ingredients and claims.

The atmosphere that you live every day is very friendly, warm and dynamic at the same time, in fact no one lies on the results obtained so far but on the contrary there is a strong ambition that drives everyone to improve.
For a graduate in biology, this stage represents on the one hand the natural continuation of his studies and the possibility to apply them, because the knowledge on biological macromolecules, physiological and metabolic pathways is essential in the job, On the other hand opens up a whole new world unknown but equally interesting that addresses regulatory and legislative issues on the basis of food safety.

Further fundamental aspect to note is that everyone, including newcomers, have a voice, and final decisions are taken by mutual agreement.

The experience can be considered highly educational due to the large number of areas that covers: biology, knowledge of regulations and problem solving, a complex and attractive mix.

– Jacopo, Sport Nutrition Team –

Esperienza in Hylobates? Un mix meraviglioso

Uno stage formativo che introduca al mondo del lavoro è senza dubbio una tappa importante per un neolaureato, ancor di più lo è la possibilità di svolgerlo in Hylobates Consulting, azienda leader in Italia che offre le conoscenze scientifiche e regolatorie più avanzate nel campo della sicurezza alimentare, dell’etichettatura degli alimenti e dei claim, delle procedure tecniche ed amministrative per integratori, prodotti dietetici e loro ingredienti.

L’ambiente che si vive quotidianamente è assolutamente amichevole, cordiale ed al tempo stesso dinamico, infatti non ci si adagia sui risultati finora ottenuti ma al contrario c’è una forte ambizione che spinge tutti a migliorare.

Per un laureato in biologia questo stage rappresenta da un lato la naturale prosecuzione dei suoi studi e la possibilità di applicarli, infatti la conoscenza relativa a macromolecole biologiche, cicli metabolici e fisiologici è fondamentale nel lavoro da svolgere, d’altra parte si apre tutto un nuovo mondo sconosciuto ma altrettanto interessante che affronta le tematiche regolatorie e legislative alla base della sicurezza alimentare.
Altro aspetto fondamentale da sottolineare è che tutti, compresi gli ultimi arrivati, hanno voce in capitolo e le decisioni vengono prese di comune accordo.
L’esperienza è da considerarsi altamente formativa visto l’ampio numero di aree che abbraccia: biologia, conoscenza delle normative e risoluzione dei problemi, un mix complesso ed accattivante.

– Jacopo, Sport Nutrition Team –