The compound known as “dicaffeine malate” is made up of two separate molecules of caffeine that have been bonded to a single molecule of malic acid. As you are about to see, compared to caffeine, this combination possesses several advantages. To begin, before we get into the benefits of both together, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of each individually [1,2,3,4].
Benefits of caffeine
- Blocks pain
- Bolsters cognitive performance
- Increases energy
- Boosts metabolism
- Enhances focus
- It May help produce more efficient muscular contractions
- May spare muscle glycogen
- Makes exercise feel easier
- Improves reaction time
- Improves time trial performance
- Decreases perceived fatigue
Benefits of malic acid
- Reduces pain
- Improves power output
- Helps fight muscle fatigue
- Increases endurance
- Promotes energy production via the Krebs cycle
Both caffeine and malic acid are potent supplements on their own, but when combined, they unleash their full potential.
Benefits of Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine
The following are some benefits and advantages of dicaffeine malate [5,6].
No stomach or GI distress.
When consumed in large amounts, caffeine can result in unplanned trips to the bathroom (explosive diarrhea). Caffeine is known to cause gastrointestinal distress in many people, which can be alleviated by taking dicaffeine malate, which contains malic acid.
Reduces caffeine tolerance.
Caffeine can cause tolerance in some individuals if they consume it frequently. In other words, the longer one takes it and the more of it one takes, the less effective it becomes. A limited body of research has demonstrated that dicaffeine malate slows down the body’s tolerance to caffeine, which in turn prolongs the effects of caffeine.
Replenishes energy.
In breaking down carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, malic acid plays a role in producing the energy released. Malic acid takes over as the agent that prevents energy loss when the effects of caffeine begin to wear off.
Long-lasting caffeine.
The effects of regular caffeine may only last for a few hours, whereas the effects of dicaffeine malate may remain in the body for anywhere between 6 and 8 hours.
Slow-release caffeine.
If you take dicaffeine malate for the first time, you will feel an initial surge of energy, followed by sustained energy that will allow you to power through your entire workout. This is because caffeine and malic acid have formed a chemical bond, which has led to this result. Caffeine will not cause you to feel jittery or anxious, give you a racing heartbeat, or cause any other negative side effects that are sometimes associated with it. In addition to this, there won’t be a crash from the caffeine!
What is the Caffeine Content of Dicaffeine Malate?
Dicaffeine malate has an approximate caffeine content of 75% and a malic acid content of 25% based on its molecular weight. Two hundred milligrams of dicaffeine malate, for instance, will produce one hundred fifty milligrams of caffeine and fifty milligrams of malic acid.
Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine: Dose And Timing
Because dicaffeine malate does not contain pure caffeine, the recommended dosage needs to be increased by 125% to be effective. Because most of caffeine’s benefits don’t become apparent until approximately 200 milligrams, the recommended starting dose of dicaffeine malate is 250 milligrams.
To get the most out of your workout, take dicaffeine malate forty-five to sixty minutes before you start.
Dicaffeine Malate Vs. Caffeine Half-Life
Dicaffeine malate has a half-life that is significantly longer than that of caffeine anhydrous. Because caffeine and malic acid bond to one another, there is a “slow release” of caffeine into the bloodstream due to this interaction between the two substances. The half-life of caffeine is between three and four hours, whereas the half-life of dicaffeine malate is between five and six hours [4,5].
Caffeine Crash
Raise your hand if you can’t function without your daily dose of caffeine!
It is among the best performance-enhancing supplements for athletes, if not the best. It is not surprising that the drug has the highest global prevalence.
Although caffeine is incredible, it does come with a number of undesirable side effects that are experienced by a lot of people. The dreaded “crash from caffeine,” also known as “the crash.” The crash caused by caffeine is horrible!
You’re lucky because here is everything you need to know about the caffeine crash.
We’ll also explain a form of caffeine that does not cause a “crash” and can improve your athletic performance by giving you an enormous amount of energy, preventing pain, and enabling you to exercise for a longer period and with greater intensity.
What Is a Caffeine Crash?
Transitioning from feeling alert and energized to tired and lethargic is one of the hallmarks of the caffeine crash. It happens suddenly and frequently when you are not prepared for it [6].
Some people are more susceptible to its effects due to a genetic variation in the CYP1A2 gene. This gene determines how your body reacts to caffeine in your body.
In most cases, a caffeine crash will not occur after consuming a moderate amount of caffeine (between 100 and 200 mg). Doses ranging from moderate to high (200-400 mg) are to blame.
Caffeine Crash Symptoms
The following is a list of some of the most common warning signs that you may be about to experience a caffeine crash [6]:
- Falling asleep unexpectedly
- Unable to focus
- Extreme fatigue
- Empty stomach sensation
- Lightheadedness
- Anger/irritability
Reasons For The Caffeine Crash
To have an understanding of the caffeine crash, one must first have a sense of human physiology and what happens to the body when caffeine is consumed.
When tired, a molecule in the brain called adenosine starts accumulating at higher and higher levels. Drowsiness is produced by adenosine up until the point where it “goes dark.”
Because adenosine is prevented from binding to its receptors in the brain by caffeine, we feel ready to take on the world with a megaton of energy rather than feeling tired. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. So far, so good. Now for the unfavorable aspect.
This is the reason for a crash caused by caffeine.
Although we now know everything there is to know about the caffeine crash, one pressing question remains. Is there any caffeine that doesn’t make you crash after you drink it?
The answer is going to be yes! Dicaffeine malate is the name of the nutritional supplement that contains caffeine but is less likely to lead to a caffeine crash.
Bottomline: Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine
Caffeine is very beneficial. Caffeine significantly impacts athletic performance and can make people feel like they are worth a million dollars.
The form of caffeine known as “no crash” dicaffeine malate is considered to be the most effective. If you consume about 600 mg of caffeine on a daily basis, you might want to think about taking dicaffeine malate. It will give you all the energy you need in addition to a multitude of performance benefits, and it is less likely to give you that dreaded caffeine crash!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References & Fact-Checking
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