Can caffeine enhance performance?

Yes, caffeine can enhance performance both mentally and physically.

1. Mental Performance: Caffeine significantly improves reaction time, focus, and memory recall. Ingesting 1 to 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight about 30 minutes before a mental task can enhance alertness and accuracy 1 2.

2. Physical Performance: Caffeine is known to improve endurance and reduce reaction time in physical activities. It is particularly effective for aerobic performance, providing benefits even if taken regularly, albeit with reduced impact compared to intermittent use. Optimal dosage is 1 to 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, ideally taken 30 minutes prior to exercise 3 4.

   
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   Caffeine and Exercise
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   Caffeine Performance Tips
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   Stimulants
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   Caffeine and Performance
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   Caffeine Performance Insights
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Regular use of caffeine without breaks might lead to diminished effectiveness, so taking intermittent breaks (e.g., 2 to 5 days off) can help restore its full performance-enhancing effects 5 3. Additionally, for those who find caffeine too stimulating, combining it with theanine can help mitigate jitteriness while still providing performance benefits 2.