Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world and has gained much concern for its use in sport. For grassroots level Indian athletes, it is more than important to know at which level caffeine affects both performance and health, primarily due to the integration that has been taking place gradually of sports science and of course sports nutrition into coaching programmes. However, how much do these athletes at the grassroots level consume too much and how does caffeine impact their health?
Role Of Sports Science In Athlete Nutrition
Sports science highly plays a role in guidance towards nutrition, supplementation and performance enhancement for athletes. However, the integration in sports science in India, particularly at the grassroots is still in the evolving stages, many athletes unknowingly tend to use caffeine in different presentations in the form of tea and coffee or even energy drinks for the purposes of increasing energy during training and competitions. However, there is awareness regarding how it affects athletes’ performance.
Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system. The stimulation from caffeine has the potential of improving alertness, lowering the perceived exertion level and improving endurance. In small doses, it can enhance performance, thereby making it an important factor in sports nutrition. Yet, what is too much?
Moderate Amounts Of Caffeine And Benefits
A safe and effective amount of caffeine to boost athletic performance for most adults is about 3–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. For a 60 kg athlete, this is approximately 180–240 mg of caffeine, the same amount found in 2–3 cups of coffee. In grassroots sports, most athletes are not guided by experts in sports science, so this usually results in overconsumption and potential health risks.
Excess Caffeine Concerns
Over intake of the stimulant poses significant harmful effects to a body among them including dehydrated, anxious with raised heart rate. Moreover; it has digestive distress and sleep problems as some effects resulting from its usage over which is mainly seen at grass-roots athletes’ age and have not attained full growth by their body which negatively influences them along with reducing capability in doing long term processes.
Challenges Of Grassroots Sports Development In India
Moreover, in India, grassroots development suffers from a problem of limited access to qualified sports nutritionists and sports scientists, who can offer the athlete precise, tailor-made advice. Without this proper guidance, athletes are likely to use trial and error, leading to unhealthy practices or the misuse of substances like caffeine.
Balancing Caffeine Use For Athlete Health
In conclusion, while caffeine can enhance performance, grassroots level athletes in India must approach its use with caution. A balanced approach to sports nutrition, guided by sports science, is essential to ensure that athletes reap the benefits of caffeine without jeopardizing their health. Monitoring intake, understanding individual tolerance and seeking professional advice can help optimize both performance and long-term athlete health.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
