Caffeine
Anti-doping rule – Change effective early 2004: Caffeine has not been classified as a doping substance since January 1, 2004.
History
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed caffeine from the list of prohibited substances effective January 1, 2004, but it remains under observation. The previous information (below) regarding caffeine and the anti-doping regulations is therefore no longer valid and is now of historical significance only.
Until the end of 2003, doping violations involving caffeine were reported in sports. Since a positive caffeine test result was also possible due to the consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, athletes should strictly adhere to the information listed below.
Why was caffeine added to the list of banned substances?
Due to the ease with which stimulants can be detected, there was an increasing trend in the 1980s to attempt to achieve stimulating effects through high doses of caffeine. The IOC responded by declaring caffeine a prohibited substance (stimulant category), the use of which is banned in competition. However, to avoid completely restricting the consumption of caffeinated beverages, a threshold of 12 µg/ml in urine was established for caffeine. This threshold should not be exceeded through normal consumption of caffeinated beverages.
However, the initial statement that, for example, drinking coffee would not cause the threshold of 12 µg/ml in urine to be exceeded had to be corrected. Studies have shown that in individual cases, levels exceeding 12 µg/ml can be reached within an hour with an intake of approximately 300 mg of caffeine (2 cups of 150 ml each of strong coffee). Since the half-life of caffeine is approximately 4–6 hours, continuous consumption of caffeinated beverages throughout the day can lead to the accumulation of caffeine levels, causing the threshold to be quickly exceeded. Individual variations in metabolism (caffeine metabolism) can also lead to increased caffeine excretion.
Recommendation for Athletes Until December 31, 2003
On the day of competition, no more than two cups (approx. 150 ml each) of “regular” coffee should be consumed, and caffeinated beverages should be avoided entirely during a competition or immediately after a competition prior to a doping test. Espresso is not considered regular coffee, as its caffeine concentrations are significantly higher. Caffeine can be found in a wide variety of beverages (see table: Caffeine concentration in individual beverages).