Caffeine and Athletes - Nancy Clark

author : Nancy Clark
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The purpose of this article is to look at caffeine (most commonly consumed as coffee) as part of a sports diet and to help you determine whether you want to take it or leave it.

The Athlete’s Kitchen
Copyright: Nancy Clark August 2005

Many athletes enjoy a caffeine-lift as a morning eye-opener, during daily coffee breaks, before training, and during competitions. Questions arise about caffeine:
Should I use caffeinated gels during long runs?
How much caffeine is in Red Bull?
Does coffee enhance performance, or is it dehydrating.?

The purpose of this article is to look at caffeine (most commonly consumed as coffee) as part of a sports diet and to help you determine whether you want to take it or leave it.

Caffeine and hydration
We’ve all heard the warning: Coffee has a diuretic effect, is dehydrating, and doesn’t count as a fluid replacement. While once deemed true, we now know differently. The truth is this: a moderate intake of coffee, cola and other caffeinated beverages does count towards fluid needs – particularly if you are accustomed to consuming caffeine as a part of your daily diet. [.....]

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date: September 3, 2005

Nancy Clark

Nancy Clark, MS, RD, an internationally known sports nutritionist and nutrition author, is a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in nutrition for exercise, health and the nutritional management of eating disorders.

avatarNancy Clark

Nancy Clark, MS, RD, an internationally known sports nutritionist and nutrition author, is a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in nutrition for exercise, health and the nutritional management of eating disorders.

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