Is coffee a doping agent?

Coffee is a small beverage whose favorable effects are easily praised for giving a little boost in the middle of the day, both physically and mentally. But then, can it be considered a doping product? What are its beneficial effects and possibly its undesirable effects?

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: Pxhere.com, Pixnio.com, JF Tatard

In your opinion, what does doping mean? What is your interpretation? The definitions are perhaps as numerous as there are individuals. Nevertheless, if we agree on a common definition, that of our friend Wikipedia, it states that: “In sport, doping is the practice of absorbing chemical substances or using medical acts defined by ad hoc organizations in order to increase the physical and/or mental performance of an athlete“. So, is this drink that we sometimes take as soon as we get out of bed, that finishes our meals and revives us in the afternoon when we’re feeling sluggish, a doping substance? Is coffee a doping agent? Does coffee make you ride faster? Does coffee improve performance?

Before 2004

Before 2004, it was still possible to test positive for caffeine. Indeed, the substance alone was considered a doping product. Nevertheless, above a certain dose. Which, by the way, had to correspond to a few pots of coffee. The question is perhaps what justified coffee being on this black list? And at what dose could it improve performance?

Does the name Gianni Bugno ring a bell? An exceptional fuoriclasse capable of winning on all terrains, whose history will remember him as a two-time world champion in 1991 and 1992. A man of incredible elegance. And rare intelligence. He achieved 63 professional victories. And certainly twice as many podium finishes. After the Moser era, Italy found its new maestro in him. But in his glory days, there is also a small grey area. He too once tested positive in an anti-doping test. Positive for caffeine, the main substance in coffee. And to justify himself, he explained that he drank an astronomical amount of coffee: “I systematically drink coffee before races to wake myself up. I have a few espressos“. He didn’t say how many, but it seems it could go up to 10 in a row. We won’t know if the positive test was really linked to the espressos he drank by the pot. But the fact that the UCI was lenient with him on this matter leaves room for doubt.

The effects of caffeine

I did some research anyway. Numerous studies have been conducted on the subject of caffeine and performance. Caffeine is said to stimulate muscles and the brain.

On the former, coffee would allow for faster glycogen replenishment and have an improving effect on endurance. On the brain, coffee would have a stimulating effect that improves alertness and delays the sensation of fatigue.

Among other benefits, caffeine would increase the basal metabolism, with better mobilization of fatty acids. And thus help you lose weight. Stop believing that coffee is a diuretic! Or else you’d have to drink a few barrels of it! In the same way, coffee does not dehydrate. Nevertheless, don’t make the mistake of hydrating only with coffee. Vary your intake with water or hot water like tea or herbal tea, which, by the way, hydrate better.The risks of caffeine In high doses, coffee can have the effect of accelerating transit, and cause diarrhea, especially during exercise, with an impact on the stomach and intestinal transit. Have you ever felt heart palpitations? It’s not just an impression, because in high doses, coffee can accelerate the heart rate. Even if it doesn’t last and it passes, don’t worry. Another case where you need to be vigilant: it may not be about completely eliminating your pleasure of a Nespresso Voluto pod, but if you suffer from iron deficiency anemia, know that the two don’t necessarily mix well. Indeed, like tea, coffee inhibits iron absorption.

To conclude

Don’t change your habits. Don’t deprive yourself of what you love. A small coffee won’t kill you, let alone dope you. And besides, if it’s just about boosting your performance: don’t believe in miracles! Coffee won’t help you win a rainbow jersey one day. Keep it simple: a balanced diet, regular training, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

=> SEE ALSO: All our CQFD articles