Effects of Supplementation on Performance in Football Players

Effects of Combined Taurine, Caffeine, and Phosphatidylserine Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Professional Male Football Players

This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Supplementation was administered for 10 days, with a final dose taken 60 minutes before a standardized 105-minute football training session.

Primary and secondary outcomes included sprint performance, reaction time, GPS-derived locomotor variables, and technical and tactical performance indicators. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether combined multi-ingredient supplementation could improve performance and attenuate fatigue-related declines under match-like conditions.

This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study evaluated the effects of combined supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players.

Eighty-one participants aged 19-32 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo (lactose), taurine plus caffeine (1500 mg taurine + 200 mg caffeine), or taurine plus caffeine plus phosphatidylserine (1500 mg taurine + 150 mg caffeine + 300 mg phosphatidylserine daily for 10 days). All participants completed a 10-day supplementation period, followed by a standardized 105-minute football training session.

Outcome measures included sprint performance (30 m sprint time), reaction time (visual and auditory), GPS-derived variables (total distance, sprint activity, speed, accelerations, and decelerations), and technical and tactical performance indicators assessed by coaching staff and video analysis.

The study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions and in accordance with standardized training procedures. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc testing. The aim was to determine whether multi-ingredient supplementation could enhance performance and reduce fatigue-related declines in a football-specific setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male professional football (soccer) players
• Age 19-32 years
• Currently participating in regular team training (4-5 sessions per week)
• Medically cleared for participation in high-intensity physical activity
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current injury or musculoskeletal condition affecting performance
• Chronic disease or medical condition
• Use of medications that may affect physical or cognitive performance
• Regular use of dietary supplements or caffeine prior to the study period
• Smoking or alcohol consumption
• Failure to comply with study procedures