Citable fact
«Theacrine» — evidence level C. Dosage: 100–300 mg per day; studies used doses of 125, 200 and 300 mg. No effective dose for improving performance could be established. Source: PMID 40048726, permanent link to the source in the list below.
How it works
Theacrine is a purine alkaloid structurally close to caffeine but with an additional methyl group. It acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, that is, its mechanism is similar to caffeine. The difference is attributed to a smaller effect on blood pressure and the absence of rapid tolerance development due to a different metabolic pathway. Theoretically this should give alertness without a rise in blood pressure, but direct measurements of performance in humans do not confirm this.
Dosage and intake
100–300 mg per day; studies used doses of 125, 200 and 300 mg. No effective dose for improving performance could be established
No regimen giving a reproducible effect has been established. It is usually suggested 30–60 minutes before exercise
Forms
Theacrine capsules and powder, more often as part of pre-workout complexes together with caffeine, which makes it difficult to assess the contribution of theacrine itself
What is confirmed
- Subjectively it may be perceived as a mild stimulant without a sharp rise in blood pressure
- Close to caffeine in structure and mechanism
- In complexes with caffeine it is sometimes associated with improved mood and focus
Adverse effects and limitations
- The effect on sports performance is not confirmed: a controlled study of different doses showed no improvement in a 4-km cycling test
- Recognized as a stimulant and carries the same risks: insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure
- Tolerance and withdrawal syndrome may develop with regular use
- It should not be used as a “safe replacement for caffeine” — there are no data for such a claim
Interactions
- With caffeine and other stimulants — additive stress on the cardiovascular system
- With antihypertensive drugs — possible weakening of their effect
- With drugs metabolized via CYP1A2 — a theoretical interaction
Who must not use it
- Under 18 years: Stimulants are not recommended for children and adolescents
- Pregnancy and lactation: Intake in pregnancy and lactation has not been studied; stimulants should be excluded
- Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias — contraindicated
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks — contraindicated
- Insomnia — intake in the afternoon is not recommended
- Use of stimulant drugs — only as prescribed by a doctor
Sources
See also
Comparisons
Open in the app
This page holds reference data with links to studies. In the app you can calculate calories and macros for your goal, build a personal supplement stack and review weekly training volume.