Kaff2 Malate
Also known as: Kaff2 Malate, di-caffeine malate, Dicaffeine malate
Overview
Dicaffeine malate, also known as Kaff2 Malate, is a synthetic compound where two caffeine molecules are chemically bound to malic acid. Unlike naturally occurring caffeine, this form is specifically engineered to alter the pharmacokinetics of caffeine. It is primarily used as an ergogenic aid in dietary supplements, aiming to enhance energy, focus, and athletic performance. The key characteristic of dicaffeine malate is its purported slower breakdown and longer half-life compared to standard caffeine anhydrous, which may lead to a more sustained energy release and potentially reduce the common 'caffeine crash' and gastrointestinal discomfort often associated with caffeine. While caffeine itself is extensively researched, direct clinical studies specifically on dicaffeine malate are limited, with much of the current understanding extrapolated from the properties of caffeine and malic acid individually. It is typically found in pre-workout formulas and energy supplements.
Benefits
Dicaffeine malate provides stimulant effects similar to caffeine, including increased energy and improved resistance exercise performance. Research on caffeine, which is the active component, shows significant improvements in metrics like bench press repetitions (e.g., ~9.5% increase). While direct studies on dicaffeine malate are limited, the ergogenic benefits are expected to be comparable to caffeine. A key proposed benefit of dicaffeine malate is its potential to reduce caffeine-related gastrointestinal issues and the 'caffeine crash' due to its slower release profile. Malic acid, the other component, may also support sustained energy production through its role in the Krebs cycle. Athletes and individuals seeking prolonged caffeine effects with potentially fewer side effects like jitters or digestive upset may find this form beneficial. The strength of evidence for these specific benefits of dicaffeine malate is moderate, relying heavily on mechanistic rationale and extrapolation from caffeine research, rather than extensive direct clinical trials.
How it works
Dicaffeine malate functions primarily through its caffeine component, which acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist in the central nervous system, leading to increased neuronal activity and stimulation. This antagonism blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and drowsiness, thereby enhancing alertness, focus, and energy. The malic acid component participates in the Krebs cycle, a fundamental pathway for cellular energy metabolism, potentially supporting sustained energy production. The chemical bond between caffeine and malic acid is designed to slow the release and absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream. This slower breakdown is hypothesized to result in prolonged caffeine plasma levels, a more gradual onset of effects, and potentially reduced peak concentrations, contributing to a more sustained energy profile and potentially mitigating the rapid 'crash' often associated with caffeine anhydrous.
Side effects
The side effects of dicaffeine malate are largely similar to those of caffeine, as caffeine is its primary active component. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate. Less common side effects (1-5%) may include gastrointestinal discomfort, although this form is specifically designed to potentially reduce such issues compared to caffeine anhydrous. Rare side effects (less than 1%) can include severe cardiovascular events in highly sensitive individuals, though this is uncommon. Dicaffeine malate shares similar drug interactions with caffeine, such as interactions with other stimulants, certain antidepressants, and medications metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme. Contraindications include caffeine sensitivity, pregnancy, and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, unless advised by a medical professional. Caution is particularly advised for pregnant women, children, and individuals with heart conditions due to the stimulant nature of the compound. Overall, while malic acid is generally well-tolerated, the safety profile is dominated by the effects and risks associated with caffeine intake.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for dicaffeine malate is based on its caffeine content, as it is approximately 75% caffeine by weight. A minimum effective dose is around 75 mg of caffeine equivalent per serving. Optimal dosages typically range from 150-200 mg of caffeine equivalent per dose, adjusted for individual tolerance. Due to its slower release profile, some sources suggest dosing 125% of the amount of caffeine anhydrous one would normally take to achieve a similar effect, but with a more sustained release. The maximum safe daily intake for healthy adults is generally considered to be up to 400 mg of caffeine from all sources, though individual tolerance varies significantly. Dicaffeine malate can be taken pre-workout or during periods requiring sustained alertness, noting its slower onset compared to caffeine anhydrous. It is commonly available in powder or capsule form. Its absorption is slower due to the malic acid binding. For mitigating potential jitteriness, it is often combined with L-theanine.
FAQs
Is Kaff2 Malate safer than caffeine?
Kaff2 Malate may reduce gastrointestinal distress and the 'caffeine crash' due to its slower release. However, it still carries similar stimulant risks as caffeine anhydrous, and overall safety depends on the total caffeine intake and individual sensitivity.
How long do effects last?
The effects of Kaff2 Malate are generally reported to last longer than those of caffeine anhydrous due to its slower breakdown and absorption. The exact duration can vary based on individual metabolism and dosage.
Can it reduce caffeine tolerance?
Preliminary evidence suggests that dicaffeine malate might slow the development of caffeine tolerance compared to caffeine anhydrous due to its sustained release. However, more robust research is needed to confirm this effect.
Is it suitable for sensitive individuals?
While it may offer a smoother experience, Kaff2 Malate is still a stimulant. Individuals highly sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution and start with a low dose, as its effects are fundamentally stimulant-based.
Research Sources
- 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 acute effects of caffeine and citrulline malate on resistance exercise. It found that both isolated caffeine and caffeine combined with malate significantly improved bench press repetitions (by ~9.3-9.5%). The study suggests caffeine's ergogenic benefits, but its focus on citrulline malate limits direct conclusions about dicaffeine malate.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/live-evolved-phasic – This source provides a narrative and mechanistic overview of dicaffeine malate, suggesting it has a longer half-life and may reduce the 'caffeine crash'. It highlights the theoretical benefits of malic acid in supporting energy metabolism and reducing GI distress. However, it lacks direct clinical trial data on dicaffeine malate itself.
- https://nutrabio.com/blogs/endurelite/dicaffeine-malate-the-best-no-crash-caffeine – This article discusses dicaffeine malate, emphasizing its potential for a 'no crash' caffeine experience due to its slower release. It provides insights into the compound's structure and theoretical advantages, such as reduced GI irritation and sustained energy. The information is largely mechanistic and from a manufacturer-adjacent source, lacking independent research.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176406/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on citrulline malate's effect on muscle strength. It concluded that citrulline malate alone did not significantly improve muscle strength. While relevant for understanding the malate component, it does not directly address dicaffeine malate or its combined effects with caffeine.
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