Int J Sports Med 1984; 05(4): 179-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1025901
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Caffeine: Use and Abuse in Sports

F. T. Delbeke, M. Debackere
  • Laboratorium voor Farmacologie en Toxicologie der Huisdieren, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Casinoplein 24, B-9000 Gent (Belgium)
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

The urinary caffeine content was compared between a control group and 775 cyclists checked for doping during the 1982 season. The data for sportsmen demonstrate that the (mis)use of caffeine is more pronounced in both professional and amateur classes than in the younger categories (debutant and junior).

Caffeine was also monitored during a 60-h period in the urine of several coffee drinkers.

Based on all results, a “maximum level of caffeine” of 15 µg·ml-1 in urine for sporting competitions is proposed.