Effect of creatine and caffeine supplementation together and separately on serum lactate leveles and performance of male wrestler

Supplementation is widely used by athletes to enhance physical capabilities, improve exercise performance, and achieve other ergogenic effects. These practices promote adaptability, recovery, and the ability to train and compete. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine, creatine, and their combination on performance and blood lactate levels in semi-professional male wrestlers. A total of twenty wrestlers participated in a double-blind, crossover, randomized placebo-controlled study, which included five experimental treatments: creatine (Cr), caffeine (CAF), creatine + caffeine (Cr+CAF), control (Con), and placebo (PLA). The participants, with an average age of 19.43 ±1.75 and a body mass index of 23.11 ±3.34, were selected voluntarily. Creatine and caffeine powder were mixed in water and consumed 60 minutes prior to each evaluation session. Performance and blood lactate values were measured before and immediately after the Dummy throw test. The results showed that performance significantly improved following the Cr+CAF and Cr conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, blood lactate values immediately after the Dummy throw test were significantly lower in the Cr condition (P = 0.04) compared to PLA and CON. However, although blood lactate values decreased in the Cr+CAF condition, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, male wrestlers may benefit from the ergogenic effects of creatine and caffeine when consumed separately or in combination.