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Caffeine content of pre‐workout supplements commonly used by Australian consumers
Author(s) -
Desbrow Ben,
Hall Susan,
O'Connor Helen,
Slater Gary,
Barnes Katelyn,
Grant Gary
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
drug testing and analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.065
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1942-7611
pISSN - 1942-7603
DOI - 10.1002/dta.2501
Subject(s) - caffeine , nutrition facts label , medicine , stimulant , food science , pharmacology , environmental health , chemistry
The stimulant properties of caffeine are often promoted in pre‐workout supplements (PWS) to assist with training, reduce the perception of fatigue, and for some brands, assist body fat loss. While manufacturers of PWS often indicate the inclusion of significant amounts of caffeine, no independent verification of the caffeine content of these products exists. The aim of this investigation was to independently assess the caffeine content of popular PWS in Australia and compare these values to nutrition information panel data. Fifteen PWS were tested for their caffeine content (both within and between batches of the same product). The caffeine content of selected PWS ranged from 91 to 387 mg·serve −1 . Only 6 of the 15 PWS nutrition information panels included details on caffeine content. The percent of caffeine present ranged from 59% to 176% of packaging claims. All but one PWS contained a variation of caffeine within and between batches that was considered “practically” significant (ie, ≥40 mg·serve −1 variation). Consumers are likely to be exposed to large and variable caffeine doses if ingesting PWS. Product information panels do little to improve consumer awareness of likely caffeine intakes.