Caffeinated Sports Drinks: Beneficial or Harmful To Athletes?

SIDNEY AUNG
Sports Editor

Because of the high level of competition within the world of sports, athletes will do anything to gain an edge over their peers, including the intake of caffeine to boost their performance. With a consequent increase in endorphins and the reduction of an athleteʼs perception of effort resulting from consuming it, caffeine can create a sense of well-being, ultimately delaying fatigue during exercise.
Caffeinated sports drinks have numerous negative effects that can harm the health of an athlete. In fact, a study showed that a regular caffeinated sports drink contains nearly 700 milligrams of caffeine which is nearly twice as much as a large cup of coffee. A majority of those who consume these drinks quickly find themselves suffering from its side effects which may lead to high stress levels and other health problems. Another side effect that may result is caffeine withdrawal which occurs after caffeine is immediately taken out of a personʼs regular diet, resulting in severe headaches and fatigue. In addition, it can also cause an increase in stomach acid production.
The topic of consuming these drinks also brings up numerous ethical concerns. Would measuring the performance of caffeine-dependent athletes against those who do not depend on caffeine be considered fair? The sports community should convert back to the honest past, where athletes maintained a competitive spirit without trying to cheat the system.