Abstract des Autors

Caffeine is a methylxanthine with a stimulant action present in the list of doping drugs. However, since many beverages and many "over the counter" medicines, such as products for analgesia, provide active doses of caffeine, an antidoping control is estimated positive only if the urinary concentration of this drugs is higher than 12 micro-g/ml. In the context of sporting activities, concentrations of caffeine higher than 12 micro-g/ml are considered to have been ingested as an ergogenic aid. The capacity of the drug to mask the sensation of fatigue could induce athletes to exceed the natural limit of physical performance. Moreover, caffeine can potentiate the thermogenic effects of some stimuli (cold exposure, physical exercise and use of sympathomimetic drugs), causing hyperthermia. This is probably the cause of death of some athletes, especially in competitive cycling. The method described in this paper for the determination of urinary caffeine by HPLC is very simple, precise, reproducible and is suitable for routine laboratory utilization. Verf.-Referat