Summary of Nutritional Supplements Research for Esports Players
Key Findings on Pure Caffeine:
- Cognitive and Performance Benefits: Pure caffeine supplementation has shown consistent improvements in cognitive function, gaming performance, and psychological mood.
- Study Overview: The systematic review analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a focus on various nutritional supplementation protocols, primarily involving caffeine.
- Caffeine’s Role: It was found to enhance reaction times, shooting accuracy, alertness, and reduce fatigue.
Study Details:
- Participants: 466 participants, mainly males, with some studies involving elite esports players and others focusing on amateurs.
- Measurement of Effects: Included cognitive function (attention, executive function), psychological mood (fatigue, vitality), and gaming performance metrics.
Caffeine Dosage Insights:
- Range of Dosage: Caffeine dosages varied from 40 mg to 270 mg across the trials, making it difficult to establish an optimal dosage.
- Recommendation for Future Research: To standardize cognitive and gaming performance assessments, researchers suggest using weight-adjusted caffeine doses in future studies.
Non-Caffeine Options:
- Inositol-Enhanced Arginine Silicate: Showed improvements in executive function and working memory, but evidence is limited.
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Reported to reduce fatigue and improve gaming performance, though further research is needed.
Safety and Future Research Needs:
- Adverse Events: No serious events reported but some associated with elevated cortisol levels and anxiety.
- Call for Larger Trials: Researchers emphasize the need for larger studies involving diverse populations of esports players to validate findings further.
Conclusion
The review highlights promising results for caffeine as an effective supplement for esports players, although gaps remain in understanding optimal dosages and the efficacy of non-caffeine supplements. Future research is necessary to enhance evidence and explore different player demographics.
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Link to study: DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2603303
