Table 1.
Distribution of caffeine supplement doses according to health claims and their reasons of adequacy with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientific opinion.
| Health Claims | Number and Percentage (%) of Total Supplements for which this Health Claim is Made | Dose (mg/Serving) | Number and Percentage (%) of Supplements for which this Dosage is Given for the Health Claim(s) Stated | Reason for Lack of Adequacy * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduces physical and/or mental fatigue | 17 (41.5%) | 101–199 | 1 (5.9%) | 2 |
| 100 | 2 (11.8%) | 2 | ||
| 200 | 14 (82.3%) | 2 | ||
| Increases endurance performance | 10 (24.4%) | 70–99 | 1 (10%) | 5 |
| 200 | 9 (90%) | 4 (n = 6) | ||
| 5 (n = 3) | ||||
| Energizes | 23 (56.1%) | 70–99 | 1 (4.35%) | 1 |
| 100 | 1 (4.35%) | 1 | ||
| 101–199 | 1 (4.35%) | 1 | ||
| 200 | 20 (86.95%) | 1 | ||
| Thermogenic action | 5 (12.2%) | 200 | 5 (100%) | 1 |
| Diuretic action | 5 (12.2%) | 200 | 5 (100%) | 1 |
| Increases concentration/cognitive improvements | 23 (56.1%) | 70–99 | 1 (4.3%) | 3 |
| 100 | 2 (8.7%) | 3 | ||
| 101–199 | 2 (8.7%) | 3 | ||
| 200 | 18 (78.3%) | 2 | ||
| Improves performance | 16 (39%) | 100 | 3 (18.75%) | 3 |
| 200 | 13 (81.25%) | 3 | ||
| Stimulation | 14 (34.1%) | 101–199 | 2 (14.3%) | 2 |
| 200 | 12 (85.7%) | 2 | ||
| Improves memory | 3 (7.3%) | 200 | 3 (100%) | 1 |
| Improves metabolism | 6 (14.6%) | 200 | 6 (100%) | 1 |
| Aphrodisiac | 2 (4.8%) | 101–199 | 2 (100%) | 1 |
| Enhances power/strength performance | 2 (4.8%) | 200 | 2 (100%) | 4 |
| Improves short-term performance | 4 (9.8%) | 70–99 | 1 (25%) | 5 |
| 200 | 3 (75%) | 4 | ||
| Muscle recovery | 1 (2.4%) | 101–199 | 1 (100%) | 1 |
| Oxidizes/burns fat | 8 (30%) | 100 | 1 (12.5%) | 1 |
| 101–199 | 1 (12.5%) | 1 | ||
| 200 | 6 (75%) | 1 | ||
| Improves coordination | 1 (2.4%) | 200 | 1 (100%) | 2 |
| Optimizes the utilization of glycogen reserves | 1 (2.4%) | 100 | 1 (100%) | 1 |
| Enhances the immune system | 1 (2.4%) | 200 | 1 (100%) | 1 |
| Improves focus/alertness | 17 (51.2%) | 100 | 2 (11.8%) | 2 |
| 200 | 15 (88.2%) | 2 | ||
| Treatment of pathologies | 2 (4.8%) | 101–199 | 1 (50%) | 1 |
| 200 | 1 (50%) | 1 | ||
| Helps weight loss | 11 (26.8%) | 100 | 1 (9.1%) | 1 |
| 101–199 | 2 (8.2%) | 1 | ||
| 200 | 8 (72.7%) | 1 | ||
| Helps breathing | 1 (2.4%) | 200 | 1 (100%) | 1 |
| Increases heart rate/vasoconstriction | 2 (4.8%) | 200 | 2 (100%) | 1 |
| Lowers fat% | 2 (4.8%) | 200 | 2 (100%) | 1 |
| Polyphenols/antioxidants | 3 (7.3%) | 101–199 | 1 (33.3%) | 1 |
| 200 | 2 (66.7%) | 1 |
Source: Own elaboration based on the search data.* Reason according to EFSA scientific opinion: Number 1. Cause: it does not conform to the approved health claims regarding caffeine. Modification proposal: delete product health claims; Number 2. Cause: it conforms to the approved health claims but does not provide the recommended dosage of the product. Modification proposal: change product dosage protocol; Number 3. Cause: it conforms to the approved health claims and the correct dose established but does not specify the type of exercise performed. Modification proposal: change health claim, specifying the type of exercise in which the claimed effects are shown; Number 4. Cause: it conforms to the approved health claim, specifying the appropriate recommended dose of the product and the effects of the supplement, but not the timing. Modification proposal: change the health claims, specifying the timing; Number 5. Cause: it fits all the above and includes the intake timing. Modification proposal: do not modify or remove the health claims.