What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is actually a crystalline xanthine alkaloid, which is actually a specialist term used to describe substances which have been created via nitrogen metabolism in certain plants. In nature for example, caffeine is found naturally in tea and coffee plants, and it actually serves as a self-defence mechanism in these plants, due to the fact that it acts as a pesticide. It acts as a pesticide to help prevent bugs and insects eating the leaves of the plants. In human beings however, caffeine is quite safe, providing it is used sensibility, and it functions very differently. Rather than acting as a pesticide in humans, caffeine actually acts as a natural stimulant, providing temporary increases in energy and mental focus. As mentioned, caffeine is found in natural sources, including coffee beans and tea leaves, which is why these caffeinated beverages help wake us up once the caffeine enters our system. However, it is also added to many energy drinks and fat burning supplements, as well as being available in pure form, to be used naturally.

How does it work?

Basically, caffeine works as a stimulant due to the fact that it has been found to alter the chemistry of the human brain, blocking various actions of regular brain chemicals that help us feel tired, sleepy, and lethargic. Adenosine for example, is a chemical responsible for lethargy that binds onto specialist adenosine receptors within the brain. Once binded, nerve cell activity is reduced, but once caffeine is consumed, to specialist nerve cells, the caffeine looks almost identical to adenosine, and so it too will bind to these cells. However, caffeine behaves very differently to adenosine, as rather than promoting lethargy and drowsiness, caffeine instead provides stimulating effects, making us feel more energized and alert. Caffeine also blocks the adenosine, so more neurons are able to fire in the brain, and again, more energy and focus will be achieved. Things don’t stop there. As adrenaline is also produced, the pituitary gland senses that something is different, sending a message to the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, also known as epinephrine.

What are the main benefits of caffeine supplements?

Although we know the main benefits associated with caffeine, let’s take a look at some of the other benefits we may not have previously considered. These include:

• Helps (temporarily) to promote alertness and wakefulness, and to enhance cognitive performance 
• Helps (temporarily) to support/promote mental sharpness/alertness 
• Helps (temporarily) to relieve fatigue, to promote endurance, and to enhance motor performance 
• Helps (temporarily) to enhance (physical) energy 
• Helps (temporarily) to reduce tiredness and fatigue 

How and when should it be consumed?

Health Canada Recommended Dose (capsules/tablets): Adults: 1 Capsule(s)/Tablet(s) 1 - 5 time(s) per day. Take 1 capsule/tablet every 3 - 4 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 5 capsules/tablets daily.

Caffeine VS Synephrine HCL

Caffeine is often compared to synephrine HCL, and although similar, the two are still very unique to one another. Synephrine HCL has been found to provide more substantial weight loss benefits as opposed to energy boosting benefits, and so for that reason, the two are often consumed together.

What can you stack it with?

As mentioned, caffeine is often stacked with Synephrine HCL for people trying to lose weight and burn fat, although it must be consumed in safe dosages. Other people will consume caffeine with Taurine, Nitric Oxide Supplements, L-Arginine and L-Glutamine, to create a pre-workout supplement.

Caffeine Ingredients

Per Tablet

Medicinal Ingredients (per tablet): 200 Milligrams

Caffeine (1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine)  

Non-Medicinal Ingredients: 200 Milligrams

Microcrystalline Cellulose
Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate
Maltodextrin
Croscarmellose Sodium
Silicon Dioxide
Magnesium Stearate

Potential side effects

Always consult your doctor before using caffeine supplements, NEVER exceed the recommended dosage, and make sure you take other caffeinated products into account. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use caffeine supplements. Possible side effects include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Potential heart issues
• Insomnia
• Hyperactivity
• Upset stomach and stomach cramps
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Known Adverse Reactions: Hypersensitivity/allergy is known to occur, in which case, discontinue use. 4 or more capsules/tablets per day: Caffeine may cause anxiety, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), palpitations, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, tremor and headache.
Contraindications: N/A

Cautions and Warnings

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking lithium or if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, and/or detrusor instability (overactive bladder syndrome). Consumption with natural health products (e.g. bitter orange extract, synephrine, octopamine, ephedra) or other drugs (e.g. ephedrine) which increase blood pressure is not recommended. Consumption with other caffeine-containing products (e.g. medications, coffee, tea, colas, cocoa, guarana, maté) is not recommended. This product is not intended as a substitute for sleep. 2 or more capsules/tablets per day: Consult a health care practitioner if you are of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Allergen warnings

Allergy Statement: This product is made in a facility that handles milk products, gluten, shellfish, soy, peanuts and other tree nuts.

This product may contain milk, gluten, shellfish, soy, peanuts and other tree nuts.