Caffeine consumption is considered one of the most overlooked forms of stimulant use globally. Known to only a few, caffeine found in coffee is considered a banned substance by most sports agencies when above a certain limit. This comes as a shock to many considering how accepted coffee has become in society today as a source of fuel for people each day; most users of this beverage would swear by its ability to improve concentration, boost energy levels, delay feelings of fatigue, and the short amount of time they would use to complete a task. However, these benefits are not as favorable for athletes. So How Much Caffeine Does The NCAA Allow?
Unlike many other beverages, coffee has its fair share of undesirable side effects that make it less favorable for consumption by athletes. An article by the NCAA states that too much coffee consumption may result in overstimulation of an individual, heightened anxiety, an inability to focus that could result in underperformance, gastric irritation, too much urination, dehydration, and addiction in the worst cases. The NCAA also discourages the consumption of too much caffeine by athletes due to the associated negative impacts. Other than that, coffee also possesses ergogenic properties that could alter the performance of an athlete. This means the coffee has the potential of enhancing an individual’s performance during competitions which goes against all the ethical values of sporting.
Overconsumption Of Coffee
Overconsumption of coffee is also not tolerated by the NCAA because athletes are required to be in their most natural state within any competition and allowed to consume only 15ug/ml of caffeine per urine before any competition. The NCAA equates this to about 6-8 cups of coffee before a specified 2-3 hours before competitions. During training an athlete who has consumed a small amount of coffee is found to have better performance in cardiovascular-related training such as running compared to other team members. These athletes also possess better endurance for activities that may have been deemed exhausting by other players. A study by the NCAA sports institute confirmed these side effects in athletes and recommended a time limit for the consumption of coffee before the resumption of any physical activities by athletes. Therefore, for any athlete that is mindful of their sporting career, they need to observe the NCAA caffeine recommendations that would guarantee their positions in the field or courts. It is also important to be able to understand the quantity of caffeine that would be considered way above the recommended amount by the NCAA.
Coffee use for athletes
Athletes are recommended to consume an average of 6-8 cups of coffee 2 to 3 hours before competition. However, athletes should also be able to know their coffee well before consumption. Dark coffee does not necessarily have more caffeine. However, coffee types like Robusta have higher caffeine concentrations per bean than others.
Coffee amounts that could result in a positive test
An athlete’s consumption of more than 8 cups of coffee could significantly result in a positive caffeine test. This can be interpreted as a caffeine concentration higher than the recommended 15ug/ml.
Average coffee consumption rates globally
The average rate of coffee consumption globally is estimated at over 165 million kilograms. Coffee remains to be one of the most common beverages consumed globally. For instance, the average rate of American coffee consumption is around 400 million cups each day.
Conclusion
Finally, coffee consumption is a global tradition that has been sustained for many years due to its favorable impact on performance. Coffee makes us feel alive and active on the days when everything seems to be overwhelming at work or even before class. It is a beverage that allows a person to feel the instant kick in energy without any terrible health impacts such as the ones found in energy drinks. Ideally, we need coffee to function normally on “slow” days. However, this is the effect that the NCAA does not recommend in athletes. Taking too much coffee could make an athlete gain enhanced performance during competitions or during the training sessions which is an unfair advantage over the other players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does Starbucks coffee contain too much caffeine?
Starbucks coffee is considered to have more caffeine compared to other coffee brands. This has been linked to the preparation process of the beverage where presumably lighter roasts have more caffeine than darker roasts.
- Does tea also contain caffeine?
Yes, tea naturally contains quantities of caffeine just like caffeine.
- Can an athlete take tea to substitute coffee?
Specific types of tea could be used to replace coffee consumption by athletes. For example, green tea has the lowest levels of caffeine compared to other teas.
- Does sugarless coffee contain more caffeine?
No, sugar quantities or the addition of creams do not affect the amount of caffeine that is contained in coffee.