Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidencePhysical performance

Theacrine

A caffeine-like purine alkaloid pitched as "caffeine without the tolerance." It appears safe for a couple of months at 200-300 mg, but the human trials are few, small, mostly industry-funded, and have not shown it improves performance on its own or adds anything to caffeine.

What the science says

  • Energy, mood and subjective focus Limited evidence

    An acute trial in young men and women found a theacrine-containing supplement improved subjective energy and reduced fatigue ratings relative to placebo, but the product contained multiple active ingredients, so the effect cannot be attributed to theacrine. Trials of isolated theacrine at 125-300 mg report changes mainly in questionnaire scores rather than objective cognitive tests.

  • Additive benefit with caffeine Limited evidence

    In high-level soccer players, TeaCrine combined with caffeine did not improve endurance or cognitive performance during a simulated match beyond caffeine alone. Pharmacokinetic work shows theacrine slows caffeine clearance, so any perceived synergy may simply be higher caffeine exposure.

  • Non-habituating stimulant effect Limited evidence

    An eight-week study at 200-300 mg/day found no habituation of subjective effects and no adverse changes in heart rate, blood pressure or blood markers. This addresses safety and tolerance, not efficacy: there is no trial showing theacrine outperforms placebo on hard performance endpoints over time.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseHuman studies use 100-300 mg/day, most commonly 200 mg, taken acutely or daily for up to 8 weeks. Products often pair 50-100 mg theacrine with 100-200 mg caffeine; the stimulant effect you feel is likely mostly the caffeine.
SafetyNo clinically significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, liver or kidney markers were seen at up to 300 mg/day for 8 weeks in healthy young adults. Beyond that duration there are no data. Because theacrine inhibits caffeine metabolism, stacking it with high-dose caffeine can produce more jitteriness, tachycardia and insomnia than expected. Avoid with other stimulants, in cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in anyone under 18. Not currently on the WADA prohibited list, but athletes should verify third-party certification since it is usually sold in multi-ingredient pre-workouts.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Nutricost, Theacrine as Teacrine®, 60 Capsules (50 mg per Capsule)

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