TeaCrine Benefits, Dosage, And Side Effects

TeaCrine Key Points:

• TeaCrine, created by Compound Solutions, is a unique ingredient similar to caffeine but isn’t a stimulant.
• It works by interacting with the dopaminergic and adenosinergic pathways in the body.
• Supplementing with TeaCrine can boost energy, endurance, motivation, mood, and focus.
• Research backs up these benefits.
• The ideal dosage is 125mg of TeaCrine alone or 125mg with 150mg of caffeine, taken 30 minutes before exercise.
• Side effects are rare, and there's no evidence of negative interactions with prescription drugs. 

Isn’t it interesting how athletes love stimulants like caffeine and yohimbe? I’ll admit, I'm a stimulant fan too, but sometimes you want the energy without the jittery feeling, especially if you're working out close to bedtime.

Thankfully, there are ingredients like TeaCrine that provide the energy boost you need without the unwanted side effects. Let’s dive into what TeaCrine is all about.

What is TeaCrine?

TeaCrine is a patented version of theacrine, an alkaloid similar to caffeine, offering many of the same benefits without the drawbacks.

What Foods Contain Theacrine?

Theacrine is naturally found in cupuacu fruit and kucha tea leaf, but the supplement TeaCrine is made synthetically in a lab.

What’s the Difference Between TeaCrine and Theacrine?

The main difference is that TeaCrine is a patented ingredient. Whether it works better than theacrine is still debated, but TeaCrine has more human studies supporting its benefits. For supplementation, I recommend using the patented TeaCrine.

Who Makes TeaCrine?

TeaCrine is made by Compound Solutions in California, initially researched in 2013 by Dr. Shawn Arent, Shawn Wells, Dr. Hector Lopez, and Dr. Tim Ziegenfuss. Compound Solutions also produces other patented ingredients like Dynamine, Peak O2, and Carb10.

How Does TeaCrine Work?

TeaCrine affects both the dopaminergic and adenosinergic pathways, interacting with neurotransmitters to provide positive effects. For those curious, this means it increases dopamine activity and inhibits adenosine, helping to reduce feelings of fatigue and improve motivation and task completion.

TeaCrine Benefits

Clinical studies have shown that TeaCrine can:

• Increase energy
• Boost endurance
• Enhance motivation and task completion
• Improve mood and focus
• Avoid jitters, anxiety, or irritability
• Reduce fatigue

Research on TeaCrine

Several studies highlight TeaCrine's benefits:

1. Endurance and Cognition: A 2019 study showed that TeaCrine improved endurance and, when combined with caffeine, enhanced cognitive function.
2. Muscular Strength and Power: A 2019 study found no significant improvement in strength or endurance but noted increased perceived energy with caffeine.
3. Mental Energy and Performance: A 2014 study demonstrated significant improvements in energy and reduced fatigue with TeaCrine, without negative side effects.
4. Safety and Cholesterol: A 2016 study confirmed TeaCrine’s safety and even showed reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels.

TeaCrine Dosage

You can take TeaCrine alone or with caffeine:

• With Caffeine: 125mg of TeaCrine with 150mg of caffeine before exercise.
• Without Caffeine: 125mg of TeaCrine before training.

When to Take TeaCrine

Studies show positive results when taking TeaCrine 30 minutes before exercise. It also seems more effective when taken daily.

How Long Does TeaCrine Take to Work?

TeaCrine appears in the blood 15 minutes after ingestion, peaks at 90 minutes, and tapers off around 6 hours. Its half-life is about 20 hours, meaning it remains in your system for an extended period.

Do You Need to Cycle TeaCrine?

No current studies suggest the need to cycle off TeaCrine, but more long-term research is needed to confirm this.

TeaCrine Safety

A 2016 study confirmed that TeaCrine is safe for daily use without negative impacts on heart rate, blood pressure, lipid profiles, or kidney/liver biomarkers. It is also FDA GRAS certified.

TeaCrine Side Effects

Few negative side effects have been reported. Some individuals might feel overstimulated or have trouble sleeping, especially if combined with caffeine. To avoid this, consume TeaCrine at least 8-10 hours before bedtime or pair it with 200mg of theanine to smooth out the energy boost.

TeaCrine Interactions with Medications

There’s no evidence of TeaCrine interacting negatively with prescription drugs, but always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're on medication.

About The Author:

Matt Mosman (MS, CISSN, CSCS) is a research scientist, endurance athlete, and the founder and Chief Science Officer at Simply Good Supplements. Matt holds his B.S. in Exercise Science from Creighton University and his M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of California.  Matt and his family reside in Spearfish South Dakota, where they enjoy running, mountain biking, camping, and all the outdoor adventures Spearfish has to offer.

References:

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