Ergogenic Aids in Aerobic Activity

Abstract

There are many products that are potentially ergogenic for aerobic exercise, although evidence-based support varies. The most popular supplements or ergogenic aids for the endurance athlete are caffeine, antioxidants, erythropoietin, and the dietary practice of carbohydrate loading. Caffeine and carbohydrate loading have the most evidence-based support of being both ergogenic and safe. Erythropoietin is ergogenic but unsafe, and is banned by all major sport-sanctioning bodies, and antioxidants have potential but warrant further study. Pyruvate is not ergogenic.

Cafeína e performance em exercícios anaeróbios

“…Nos últimos anos a cafeína tem sido alvo de inúme-ros estudos envolvendo exercícios físicos com caracterís-ticas aeróbias (moderados de média e longa duração), sendo que os achados até o presente momento têm demonstrado que esta substância é um eficiente agente ergogênico em exercícios físicos aeróbios (Braga, Alves, 2000;Altimari et al, 2001;Graham, 2001b;Juhn, 2002;Spriet, Gibala, 2004).…”

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay for methylxanthines and taurine in dietary supplements

“…In recent years, caffeine itself and plant extracts containing methylxanthines (e.g. Paullina cupana known as guaraná, Cola nitida, Ilex paraguaiensis, Yerba mate) have received increasing attention as components of the so-called "energy" dietary supplements, supplemental products used for weight loss and energy drinks [3][4][5]. These food products are commonly sold in esoteric and nature stores and Internet web sites for their "supposed" nutritional and health benefits and for the high and fixed content of caffeine.…”

Hypertension in an Adolescent Secondary to Performance-Enhancement Supplement Use

“…The potential contribution that caffeine adds to performance enhancers is a possible ability to maintain aerobic breakdown of carbohydrates for extended periods of time during exercise. 21,22 Serious problems associated with caffeine use typically require extremely high doses. The amount of caffeine needed to cause death in an average male is 5 to 10 g. 19 Problems may arise when high doses of caffeine are consumed by individuals with cardiac conditions, sometimes unknown to the patient, for which stimulants are contraindicated.…”