Infinergy DiCaffeine Malate (75% Caffeine)
Also known as: Infinergy™, dicaffeine malate, Di-Caffeine Malate
Overview
Di-Caffeine Malate is a synthetic compound formed by two molecules of caffeine bonded ionically to one molecule of malic acid. It contains approximately 75% caffeine and 25% malic acid by molecular weight. While caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various plants, malic acid is an organic acid present in fruits. This compound is primarily used as a stimulant to enhance energy, focus, mood, and exercise performance. It is marketed as a 'next-generation' caffeine, aiming to provide a longer-lasting effect and reduce the typical 'crash' associated with caffeine anhydrous. The malic acid component acts as a buffering agent, potentially reducing digestive discomfort and smoothing out the energy release. Although caffeine itself is extensively studied, direct clinical research specifically on di-caffeine malate is moderate, with most data extrapolated from the properties of caffeine and malic acid.
Benefits
Di-Caffeine Malate offers several benefits, primarily related to its caffeine content, with potential enhancements from malic acid. It is known to enhance energy and focus, providing effects comparable to caffeine anhydrous but with a reported longer duration of action (up to 6-8 hours vs. 2-3 hours for caffeine anhydrous) and a smoother energy curve, which may reduce the typical 'caffeine crash'. For exercise performance, caffeine is well-established to improve endurance, power output, and reduce perceived exertion; di-caffeine malate is theorized to provide similar benefits with potentially less gastrointestinal distress. While direct evidence for di-caffeine malate's unique benefits is limited, one randomized controlled trial on a related caffeine and malate combination showed significant improvements in resistance exercise repetitions (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.5, p < 0.05), indicating a moderate benefit. Athletes and individuals sensitive to caffeine’s side effects may find the buffered form more beneficial. The onset of effects is typically within 45-60 minutes, with benefits potentially lasting 6-8 hours.
How it works
Di-Caffeine Malate exerts its effects primarily through its caffeine component. Caffeine acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, blocking adenosine's ability to bind to its receptors (A1 and A2A). This antagonism leads to increased neuronal firing and the release of stimulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and enhanced cognitive function. Beyond its central nervous system effects, caffeine also increases catecholamine release, which can enhance lipolysis (fat breakdown) and metabolic rate. While caffeine is rapidly absorbed, the ionic bond in di-caffeine malate is hypothesized to slow down the release of caffeine, contributing to its prolonged effects. The malic acid component may improve gastrointestinal tolerance but does not significantly alter caffeine's overall bioavailability.
Side effects
Di-Caffeine Malate is generally considered safe at moderate doses consistent with general caffeine intake guidelines. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, can include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, jitteriness, and an increased heart rate. Less common side effects (1-5%) may involve headaches, insomnia, and nervousness. Rare side effects (less than 1%) include palpitations and anxiety. Similar to caffeine, di-caffeine malate may interact with other stimulants, certain antidepressants, and medications metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme. It is contraindicated in individuals who are pregnant or lactating, those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, or known caffeine sensitivity. Caution is advised for special populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with hypertension due to their increased susceptibility to caffeine's effects.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Di-Caffeine Malate is approximately 100 mg, which provides about 75 mg of caffeine equivalent. Optimal dosage ranges from 100-300 mg of di-caffeine malate per dose, translating to 75-225 mg of caffeine, depending on individual tolerance and desired effects. The maximum safe daily dose of caffeine for healthy adults is generally considered to be up to 400 mg. For best results, Di-Caffeine Malate should be taken 45-60 minutes before exercise or activity to allow for peak effects. It is available in powder or capsule forms, which are typically standardized to their caffeine content. Taking it with water is recommended, and the malic acid component may help reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is di-caffeine malate safer than caffeine anhydrous?
It may cause less digestive discomfort and a smoother energy profile due to the malic acid, but it shares caffeine's stimulant effects and associated risks. Safety depends on dosage and individual sensitivity.
Does it prevent the caffeine crash?
Anecdotal reports and mechanistic rationale suggest a reduced 'crash' due to its slower release. However, high-quality clinical evidence specifically confirming this benefit is currently limited.
How long do effects last?
The effects of Di-Caffeine Malate are reported to last up to 6-8 hours, which is generally longer than the typical duration of caffeine anhydrous.
Can it be taken daily?
Yes, Di-Caffeine Malate can be taken daily, provided that the total daily caffeine intake remains within the recommended safe limits for healthy adults (typically up to 400 mg).
Is it suitable for sensitive individuals?
It may be better tolerated by some sensitive individuals due to the buffering effect of malic acid, potentially reducing jitters or digestive upset. However, caution is still advised, and starting with a low dose is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://www.mrsupplement.com.au/infinergy – This source provides an overview of Infinergy DiCaffeine Malate, highlighting its benefits such as sustained energy and reduced crash compared to caffeine anhydrous. It emphasizes the role of malic acid in buffering caffeine's effects and improving gastrointestinal tolerance.
- https://nutrabio.com/blogs/endurelite/dicaffeine-malate-the-best-no-crash-caffeine – This article discusses DiCaffeine Malate as a 'no-crash' caffeine option, explaining its chemical structure and how the malic acid component contributes to a smoother, longer-lasting energy release. It positions it as an improved form of caffeine for sustained performance.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/titan-nutrition-kre-ex-unrivaled – This source mentions DiCaffeine Malate in the context of supplement formulations, indicating its use in products designed for enhanced energy and focus. It implicitly supports the ingredient's perceived benefits in the sports nutrition industry.
- https://vuir.vu.edu.au/47881/1/Effect%20of%20isolated%20and%20combined%20ingestion%20of%20caffeine%20and%20citrulline%20malate%20on%20resistance%20exercise%20and%20jumping%20performance%20a.pdf – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of isolated and combined ingestion of caffeine and citrulline malate on resistance exercise. It found that both isolated caffeine and caffeine combined with malate significantly improved resistance exercise repetitions, supporting caffeine's ergogenic effects and suggesting malate does not hinder these benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228073/ – This source, likely a systematic review or meta-analysis on caffeine, provides broad support for caffeine's well-established benefits on endurance, power output, and cognitive function. While not specific to di-caffeine malate, it underpins the general efficacy and safety profile of caffeine, from which di-caffeine malate's benefits are largely extrapolated.