Gender Differences in the Frequency of Positive and Negative Effects after Acute Caffeine Consumption

Abstract

Gender-specific caffeine-related adverse effects should be thoroughly investigated. Sixty-five adult participants were included in the study, 30 men and 35 women (age, 22.5 ± 2.8; body weight, 71.7 ± 16.2 kg; BMI, 23.6 ± 4.4). The participants who were classified as low and moderate caffeine users received 3 mg/kg, and high caffeine users received 6 mg/kg of caffeine in one dose. One hour after ingestion of caffeine and within twenty-four hours, the participants completed a side effect questionnaire. Effects after the ingestion of CAF were divided into two subgroups: negative (muscle soreness, increased urine output, tachycardia and palpitations, anxiety or nervousness, headache, gastrointestinal problems, and insomnia) and positive (perception improvement; increased vigor/activeness). Caffeine ingestion resulted in a statistically significant association between gender and negative effects one hour after ingestion (p = 0.049). Gender and positive effects one hour after ingestion (p = 0.005), and between gender and positive effects within 24 h after ingestion (p = 0.047). There were significant associations between gender and perception improvement (p = 0.032) and gender and increased vigor/activeness (p = 0.009) one hour after ingestion. Nearly 30% of men and 54% of women reported negative effects. At the same time, 20% of women and more than 50% of men reported positive effects. Gender is an important factor in the negative and positive effects of caffeine consumption.

Common questions and misconceptions about caffeine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

“…Interestingly, females reported greater effects following the consumption of decaffeinated beverage [ 105 ]. Domaszewski et al [ 106 ] reported an increased occurrence of self-reported positive effects of caffeine in males compared to females. Positive and negative effects were assessed via the “Negative and Positive Effects after Caffeine Ingestion Questionnaire (QUEST).” A study evaluating cognitive performance via mental calculations reported that both sexes improved performance with no significant differences between females and males [ 102 ].…”

“…Likewise, caffeine’s effects on sports performance are mixed. Caffeine is an ergogenic aid, and even the placebo effect of caffeine improves sports performance irrespective of sex, with some studies reporting greater performance advantages in males [ 102 , 106–108 ].…”