Theacrine as a Potential Caffeine Alternative for Enhanced Ergogenic and Cognitive Performance in Athletes: A Call to Action and Brief Review

Theacrine supplementation has begun recent investigation aimed to increase athletic performance. Although existing literature has examined theacrine’s potential to increase physical and cognitive performance via adenosine receptor inhibition alongside its promotion of overall health and slight cognitive enhancement. Therefore, theacrine ostensibly exists as a caffeine substitute for attenuating both physical and mental fatigue. This article aims to (a) demonstrate the structural/mechanistic similarities of caffeine & theacrine, (b) showcase their existing performance roles, and (c) establish the need for future investigations on theacrine as a potential ergogenic aid in physically active populations to both prophylactically prevent fatigue and augment performance.