Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation Changes Following 28-Days of Consumption of a Caffeinated Energy Drink
Anthony M. Hagele Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2024
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 28 days of supplementation with a caffeine-based energy drink on energy expenditure and fat oxidation in healthy adults.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 participants (33 males, 27 females; 27 ± 8 years, 173.6 ± 10.4 cm, 80.9 ± 12.35 kg; 26.7 ± 2.18 kg/m2) consumed a daily dose of either a caffeine-based (200 mg) energy drink (CAF) (ASHOC Energy, Newport Beach, CA, USA) or placebo (PLA) for 28 days. Indirect calorimetry was performed 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (min) after ingestion on Day 1 and Day 28 of ingestion to determine rates of energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
Results: After 28 days of consumption, CAF significantly increased energy expenditure from baseline (1985 ± 293.24) compared to 30 (2101 ± 290.46), 60 (2025 ± 257.12), and 90 (2046 ± 283.54) minutes (all p < 0.05). When comparing the groups, CAF consumption increased energy expenditure in response to baseline values to a greater magnitude at 30, 60, and 90 minutes (all p < 0.05). When evaluating the long-term dosing effects between the groups, CAF had higher energy expenditure change scores (Day 28 – Day 0) at baseline (CAF: 72.04 ± 172.34, PLA: −11.51 ± 185.54; p = 0.031), and trended higher at 30 (CAF: 76.81 ± 181.15, PLA: −8.24 ± 157.63; p = 0.057) and 90 minutes (CAF: 76.67 ± 190.95, PLA: 5.50 ± 176.37; p = 0.051). After 28 days of consumption, both CAF and PLA groups showed increased fat oxidation at 60 (CAF: 190.55 ± 56.69, PLA: 194.90 ± 48.78), 90 (CAF: 182.27 ± 48.62, PLA: 183.65 ± 40.89), and 120 (CAF: 188.12 ± 52.98, PLA: 190.54 ± 42.29) minutes (all p < 0.001) compared to their respective baseline values (CAF: 159.59 ± 63.13, PLA: 185.72 ± 59.99). When comparing the groups, a trend (p = 0.052) for higher fat oxidation at 120 minutes was exhibited in the CAF group (CAF: 11.55 ± 56.45, PLA: 0.82 ± 57.32). No differences (p > 0.05) in fat oxidation change scores were observed between groups.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that energy expenditure and fat oxidation rates were significantly increased in response to ingestion after 28 consecutive days of supplementation. Moreover, this data also illustrates that a successful sustainment of increased energy expenditure rates was achieved with caffeine ingestion after 28 days of consumption in healthy adults. Collectively, these findings suggest that regular consumption of CAF for 28 days enhances metabolic rate and fat oxidation. The extent to which these changes may have additional impact on weight management and metabolic health requires further investigation. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and potential mechanisms underlying these changes.