That Triathlon Show Caffeine and Endurance Performance with Ajmol Ali, PhD | EP#234
Dr. Ajmol Ali is Associate Professor at Massey University and one of the author's of the most up-to-date meta-analysis on the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in endurance sports. In this episode Dr. Ali discusses this meta-analysis (including 44 studies and more than a thousand total participants), the findings, practical applications, and limitations and direction for future research on caffeine in endurance sports.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:
-The background on caffeine in endurance sports, including the time on WADA's prohibited substances list
-The differences between the meta-analysis conducted by Dr. Ali and previous reviews and meta-analyses, including the specific inclusion criteria and reasons behind them
-The findings: 2-3% improvement in endurance performance longer than 5 minutes when ingesting 3-6 mg/kg bodyweight prior to the event
-Responders and non-responders: how factors such as caffeine metabolism and sensitivity (determined by specific genes) may impact the effect each individual gets from caffeine
-Washout period: do you need to taper off your coffee consumption before an event to get the benefits of caffeine supplementation on race day?
SHOWNOTES:
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts234/
THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE:
SPONSORS:
Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW15 to get 15% off your order OR use the code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free.
ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
- The Effect of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis
- Caffeine Use In Sports: Considerations For The Athlete
- Dr. Ali's website
- Dr. Ali's profile on ResearchGate
- Evidence-based supplements for triathletes and endurance athletes | EP#193
RATE AND REVIEW:
If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/
CONTACT:
Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
SPONSORS:
- Precision Fuel & Hydration produce our favourite gels, sports drinks, and electrolyte and carbohydrate products here at That Triathlon Show and Scientific Triathlon. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event, and get 15% off your first 2026 order by using the code TTS2026 at checkout.
- Rouvy is hands down the most complete indoor cycling platform for triathletes. Among their thousands of beautiful bike courses from all around the world, all filmed in stunning quality, they have over 75 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race courses plus 20+ Challenge Family courses, so you can pre-ride your race from home. Real gradients, real visuals, and real feel! Head to rouvy.com and use the code TTS to get your first month free on top of a 7-day free trial.
- Effortless Swimming produce the best swim goggles for triathletes and open water swimmers. Their NanoClear anti-fog lenses give you clear, fog-free vision that lasts and doesn't wear off. Don't let foggy or leaky goggles ruin another swim. Go to shop.effortlessswimming.com and use the code TTS15 to get 15% off your goggles, and get a free two-month Effortless Swimming course membership.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.