Caffeine combined with carbohydrate could be used to help athletes perform better on the field, according to new research by a sport nutrition expert.

Mayur Ranchordas, a senior lecturer and performance nutritionist at Sheffield Hallam University, carried out studies on footballers using caffeine and carbohydrates combined in a drink. Along with improvements in endurance caused by ingesting carbohydrate, the athletes’ skill level improved after taking caffeine and carbohydrate together.

Mayur said: “There is already plenty of research that shows that caffeine and carbohydrate improve endurance, but this study shows that there is also a positive effect on skill and performance.

I don’t know if I will need any particular skill this Saturday when I am running fifteen miles in Santa Monica, but I will appreciate the increase in endurance and the lack of fatigue.

Now, I can see more athletic teams with custom coffee or other caffeinated drinks, mixed with carbohydrates to increase performance.

Just a matter of time….