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In the near future, caffeine can equate to doping
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
The WADA organization, better known as the World Anti-Doping Agency, will soon consider the possibility of including a substance such as caffeine in the category of prohibited medicines.
Medical experts argue that drugs, the active ingredient of which is caffeine, cardinally affect the health and endurance of athletes, and even surpass the known muldonium in effect.
Employees of anti-doping structures expressed the opinion that caffeine-based preparations can be attributed to the forbidden already from the next season. And to date, this component has already been included in the list of substances selected for consideration by WADA, which means its early revision.
Many scientists consider this attitude to the drug to be sufficiently justified, as everyone knows that caffeine has a stimulating effect on the body, while also complicating the work of the cardiovascular system. Given that the heart of athletes and already undergoing heavy loads, the use of caffeine can adversely affect their health.
Employees of WADA deny the opinion that after adopting amendments to the list of doping drugs, athletes can not even drink a cup of coffee or tea, or eat a chocolate bar - after all, all of these foods are rich in caffeine. Most likely, a certain acceptable content of caffeine in the blood will be sounded, which will not be equated to taking a stimulant.
Doctor of Pharmacology N. Korobov agrees with the findings of scientists: "Let's face it: everyone knows perfectly well that caffeine can be used as a psychostimulating and general stimulant. Therefore, nothing surprising in the fact that he will be among other prohibited drugs, I do not see. The only difficulty that appears after the introduction of caffeine in the notorious list is the fact that it is a part of many drinks and products. Do sportsmen have to limit themselves in this? It seems to me that scandals on this topic can not be avoided. To make everything right, you need to clearly establish the criteria: how much caffeine in the blood is allowed, and what will be considered doping. "
The list of prohibited drugs and substances, submitted by the World Doping Agency, is reviewed annually. If there is a need, then this list is corrected and supplemented.
As for caffeine, it is often used by athletes to activate the production of catecholamines and expand the bronchial lumen. The intake of this substance makes you feel more alert and more enduring during periods of training, and also reduces the level of perception of body overload.
In addition, there are versions that, simultaneously with increased endurance, caffeine also changes the physiological processes: it improves the quality of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during physical activity. This explains the presence of large quantities of the substance in sports supplements and sports nutrition.
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