A recent study compared coffee to caffeine alone, decaf, and placebo, examining the impact on cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance, using a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized and crossover study design. I have commented before on the fact that coffee and caffeine are not interchangeable terms, and this study supports that conclusion, with some additional twists to my linked article. All the popular pre-workout formulas available, I always preferred a strong cup of black coffee. While my Alpha Joe Coffee booster is not intended as a pre-workout per se, many report it’s highly effective for that use, “boosting” the benefits of coffee. This study found coffee was most effective, suggesting the caffeine content alone is not responsible for the benefits of coffee on performance, testosterone levels, etc. with the authors concluding “Conversely, caffeinated coffee was identified as the most effective form in increasing testosterone levels and improving performance metrics.”
Bottom line here is, coffee alone has a lengthy list of health and disease fighting benefits, and is a legit performance enhancer. It’s interesting to note caffeinated coffee resulted in the highest levels of testosterone. There may be some difference in cognitive effects between coffee and caffeine, but more data is needed there. Besides coffee containing a long list of bio active compounds, some of which have yet to be fully researched, there’s differences in absorption rates between coffee and say caffeine pills, as this paper discusses at length, which may account for some of the differences too:
Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee. J.Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3228;
Abstract
Background: Coffee is considered one of the most preferred and consumed beverage types in the world, and caffeine is known to increase physical performance due to its ergogenic properties. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of coffee consumption in different forms on cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance levels. Methods: A total of 15 licensed male football players participated in the research voluntarily. The research was implemented in a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized and crossover study design. Participants were given caffeinated coffee (CK), decaffeinated coffee (placebo) (DK), powdered caffeine (in a gelatin capsule) (PC) and powdered placebo (maltodextrin in a capsule) (PM) on different days, and the Wingate test protocol was performed after the warm-up protocol. Blood samples were collected post-test. Cortisol, testosterone and lactic acid levels in the serum samples taken were determined by the ELISA method. Results: As a result, it was revealed that caffeinated coffee given to participants who exercise increased anaerobic power. However, it was observed that lactic acid levels were higher in placebo and decaffeinated coffee. The highest level of cortisol was found in caffeinated coffee and powdered caffeine compared to the placebo. Testosterone values were observed to be highest in caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee compared to a placebo. Conclusions: The study suggests that the type of caffeine is a factor that affects absorption rate, which impacts performance and hormone levels.
Full Paper HERE.
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
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