Caffeine
Caffeine increases alertness, focus and endurance. It is the most researched ergogenic supplement in the world.
Clinical dosage
Origin
Natural & syntheticNaturally found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao beans, and guarana. In supplements often synthetic (caffeine anhydrous) or extracted from green tea.
Safety
Up to 400mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for healthy adults (EFSA). Side effects like palpitations and insomnia mainly occur at higher doses or in sensitive individuals.
For comparison
A cup of coffee contains 80-100mg of caffeine. A pre-workout with 200mg caffeine is comparable to 2 cups of coffee. A can of cola contains only 35mg.
Dosage by weight and gender
The effective caffeine dose for sports performance is 3-6mg per kg body weight (Goldstein et al., 2010). For someone weighing 70kg that's 210-420mg, for 90kg it's 270-540mg. Women metabolize caffeine slightly slower on average, so a lower dose (3-4mg/kg) is a good starting point. During pregnancy, max 200mg per day (EFSA).
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine per day is safe?▼
The EFSA considers 400mg per day safe for healthy adults. That's comparable to 4-5 cups of coffee. For pregnant women the maximum is 200mg per day.
Is caffeine in pre-workout dangerous?▼
No, as long as you stick to the recommended dose. Most pre-workouts contain 150-300mg of caffeine, which is within safe limits. Just watch that you don't also drink lots of coffee or energy drinks the same day.
When should I take caffeine before exercise?▼
Caffeine peaks 30-60 minutes after ingestion (Guest et al., 2021). Take your pre-workout 30-45 minutes before training. Avoid caffeine after 2 PM if you have trouble sleeping at night.
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Caffeine and Exercise: Metabolism, Endurance and PerformanceGoldstein ER et al. — J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2010)
- International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performanceGuest NS et al. — J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2021)
Pre-workouts with Caffeine
Redcon1 Total War
All-in pre-workout with 6g citrulline malate, 3.2g beta-alanine, and 320mg caffeine. One of the most complete formulas in this price range.
Cellucor C4 Ultimate
Premium C4 with 300mg caffeine, 6g citrulline malate, 3.2g beta-alanine, and 3g creatine. Fully clinically dosed — top of the C4 line.
Kaged Pre-Kaged
Premium pre-workout with transparent label. 6.5g citrulline, 274mg PurCaf® caffeine. Informed Sport certified — suitable for tested athletes.
BSN N.O.-Xplode
Legendary pre-workout from BSN with 6g citrulline, 3g creatine, and 200mg caffeine. Popular for years with a complete formula for energy and pump.
Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout
World-famous pre-workout from Cellucor with 150mg caffeine and 1.5g creatine. Compact 6.5g serving with proven formula.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
Optimum Nutrition's pre-workout with 175mg caffeine, 3g creatine, and 1.5g citrulline. Mild but reliable — ideal for beginners who trust ON.