Regular Caffeine vs. Anhydrous Caffeine: What's the Difference?
The main difference between regular caffeine and anhydrous caffeine is in its form: regular caffeine is found naturally in drinks and foods such as coffee and tea, and contains water in its natural composition.
Anhydrous caffeine, which means “without water”, is a concentrated and dehydrated form, and is generally the version found in supplements, such as pre-workouts or isolated in capsules.
The Basics of CaffeineCaffeine is a natural stimulant that acts on the body mainly by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which are responsible for promoting relaxation and sleep.
By blocking these receptors, caffeine inhibits the feeling of tiredness and, at the same time, stimulates the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters linked to increased concentration, alertness and improved mood.
Therefore, the most common reports of caffeine use (whether anhydrous or regular) are an increase in the feeling of energy, focus and disposition. This is also why caffeine is the main ingredient in pre-workout supplements and energy drinks.
In addition to its effects on the central nervous system, anhydrous caffeine also influences the cardiovascular system and metabolism. It promotes the release of adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for “fight or flight” situations.
This effect, combined with its ability to stimulate the body's heat production, increases calorie expenditure and promotes the mobilization of fat to be used as energy. For this reason, caffeine is also often used as a natural fat burner.
What is caffeine anhydrous?Anhydrous caffeine is a concentrated, dehydrated form of caffeine that is obtained by removing all of the water present in the source used to extract it. This results in a white, crystalline powder that is used in supplements and energy drinks.
Because it is a purer and more concentrated form than the caffeine found in drinks such as coffee and tea, anhydrous caffeine is quickly absorbed by the body, providing a faster and more stimulant effect.
Differences between regular caffeine and anhydrous caffeine
The main difference between regular caffeine and anhydrous caffeine is in the form of presentation and speed of action.
Common caffeine, found in drinks such as coffee and tea, contains water in its composition, which can make its absorption slower and more gradual, as it contains more things in addition to caffeine.
Anhydrous caffeine is merely the isolated and more concentrated form of the substance, which allows for faster absorption by the body. In practice, this means that anhydrous caffeine tends to provide a more immediate and intense effect, because you are only ingesting caffeine.
Benefits of anhydrous caffeine over regular caffeine
Caffeine anhydrous shares the same side effects as regular caffeine. However, because it is a purer form of caffeine, these effects may be more pronounced.
The most common side effects of caffeine anhydrous may include insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate, headaches, tremors, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
In high doses, it can cause anxiety, high blood pressure and even heart palpitations. In addition, caffeine (in any form) can be addictive, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and headaches when consumption is stopped.
To avoid this, it is important to moderate the dose, especially for people who are sensitive to caffeine. It is recommended to start with the minimum possible (such as 100mg) to check for adverse effects, and not to mix it with other sources of caffeine (such as coffee or energy drinks).