Investigation of caffeine concentrations in sport supplements and inconsistencies in product labelling

Abstract

Caffeine is a substance that can be easily consumed in daily nutrition as well as in sport supplements. Exceeding the daily-recommended dose for caffeine may cause serious health problems. Studies illustrated that many concerns have been raising about the incompatibility between labels on sport supplements and their contents. The present study aimed to investigate caffeine contents in sport supplements purchased from Turkey market for the first time and to evaluate label information on products. Caffeine concentrations were determined in 41 sport supplements and possible adverse effects were emphasized considering calculated daily consumption doses. Seventeen samples among 41 products were found to be caffeine containing, ranging from 4.52 to 471 mg/mL. Three of caffeine containing products were undeclared their caffeine ingredients. Although three products were not specified caffeine their amounts, findings were found above the daily-recommended caffeine limit (400 mg/day). Significant differences were observed between the quantities indicated on the labels and the determined caffeine amounts in 7 products (p<0.05). Eight of 17 caffeine labelled products were found between 151-948% higher than stated label information. Overall, 29.4% of caffeine containing products (n=17) were found over the recommended intake. Consuming more than the daily-recommended dose may cause severe adverse reactions and consumers may experience serious health risks such as arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, as well as sleep problems, irritability, anxiety, headache, and restlessness. Considering these health risks, awareness of consumers and accurate product labels on sport supplements gain more importance to prevent people from undesired consequences.

Pre‐workout supplements marketed in Brazil: Caffeine quantification and caffeine daily intake assessment

“…With this respect, the measured caffeine ranged from 59% to 176% of the claimed amount. Inconsistencies between the manufacturer's claims and the actual caffeine content have also been reported in studies carried out in Turkey, Poland, Italy, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Netherlands 28,30,50–53 …”

“…Almost 50% of the samples analyzed by Neves et al could result in caffeine daily intake above 400 mg 10 . Similarly, 29% of the caffeine‐containing supplements assessed by Okuroglu et al were above what is considered safe 28 . Finally, 75% of the pure anhydrous caffeine supplements analyzed by Inácio et al contained from 437 to 631 mg caffeine per serving 27 …”

“…Studies that quantified caffeine in supplements reported numerous irregularities, including products without statement of the caffeine content, intra‐ and inter‐lot variations of caffeine content, or even the absence of this compound. Additionally, PWS consumption might culminate in greater caffeine daily intake than what is considered safe by the EFSA, reaching up three times the recommended safe dose 10,27–31 . These findings have raised concerns over PWS safety and quality control efficiency.…”

“…Additionally, PWS consumption might culminate in greater caffeine daily intake than what is considered safe by the EFSA, reaching up three times the recommended safe dose. 10,[27][28][29][30][31] These findings have raised concerns over PWS safety and quality control efficiency.…”

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric study based on disposable pencil graphite sensor for the determination of caffeine in local brand ice tea

“…Caffeine (CAF), called 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione, also known as mateine or guaranine, is an alkaloid, and it can be found in coffees, teas, guarana, and in cacao [1,2]. CAF was discovered in 1819 by the German chemist Friedich Ferdinand Runge [3]. It affects the central nervous system and accelerates the messages to and from the brain [4].…”