Synergistic Potential of Creatine Nitrate and Caffeine on Cognitive and Exercise Outcomes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Study
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
3:00-3:10 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Ergogenic aids, such as creatine nitrate (CN) and caffeine (CAF), have become staples for athletes aiming to optimize performance and cognition. Recently, there have been concerns over the effectiveness and safety of using supplementation to improve athletic performance. This study uniquely examines the short-term cognitive and performance effects of combining CN and CAF supplements.
CN and CAF are two popular ergogenic aids that are commonly used to improve physical performance. CN is a version of creatine that is known to enhance solubility and absorption, boost muscle energy, improve exercise performance, and enhance muscle pump. CAF is a natural stimulant that has been shown to improve muscular endurance, enhance fat oxidation, reduce perceived effort, and boost energy in a rapid manner. It has also been proven to boost cognitive function with improvements in areas such as attention, vigilance, and reaction time.
Twelve resistance-trained male athletes completed a randomized, double-blind crossover study involving four supplement conditions over seven days, with cognitive and exercise performance tests conducted after fasting and refraining from exercise. The treatments included CAF (400 mg/day), CN (5 g/day), a combination of CAF and CN, and a placebo. On testing days, the athletes were instructed to arrive at the testing site after fasting for 12 hours and refraining from exercise for 48 hours. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed to confirm the safety of the supplements. Forty-five minutes after ingestion, the athletes completed cognitive function assessments. Along with questionnaires and evaluations concerning sleep quality, CAF consumption, and side effects, the athletes determined their readiness to exercise. Next, the participants performed resistance exercises at 70% 1RM; three sets were completed, with the final set performed to failure. Finally, an anaerobic Wingate test was administered. Cardiovascular responses were monitored and recorded one minute after each exercise assessment.
After analyzing the results from the trial, it was found that co-ingesting CN and CAF significantly enhanced cognitive function without affecting exercise performance, confirming the safety of short-term use. The co-ingestion of both supplements led to improved cognitive function, as assessed by cognitive function exams. The safety of these supplements, individually and combined, was confirmed as there were no significant changes or side effects with short-term use. The short-term exercise performance outcomes varied, and no significant improvements were observed. These findings suggest that combining CN and CAF can safely enhance cognitive function in resistance-trained athletes, offering a promising avenue for future research in sports nutrition.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Bonness, Faith, "Synergistic Potential of Creatine Nitrate and Caffeine on Cognitive and Exercise Outcomes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Study" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 58.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/58
