Coffee Cherry Extract Shows Dual-Benefit Potential for Sports Nutrition

A newly published clinical trial in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition has shown performance benefits for a specialized ingredientderived from whole Coffea arabica coffee cherry.¹ The study explored how the extract, Caffinity from FutureCeuticals, which is concentrated in both caffeine and polyphenols, influences time trial performance and post-exercise muscle glycogen resynthesis in trained cyclists.

Study Methodology and Core Findings

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial evaluated twelve trained cyclists (eleven male, one female). Participants consumed either a placebo or the coffee cherry extract supplement containing a standardized low dose of 200 mg of caffeine and 15 mg of polyphenols. The exercise protocol required participants to perform 30 minutes of steady-state cycling on an ergometer at approximately 79% of their maximal oxygen uptake, immediately followed by a 15-minute time trial.

To measure the extract's impact on recovery, participants consumed a second dose of the supplement alongside a carbohydrate beverage (1 gram per kilogram of body mass) immediately post-exercise, followed by a subsequent time trial the next morning. Researchers collected serial blood samples and gathered muscle biopsies at 0, 4, and 24 hours post-exercise to track physiological markers and muscle glycogen levels.

The trial yielded two primary results:

1. Ergogenic Performance Enhancement: Total work performed during the first 15-minute time trial was 4.6% greater with the coffee cherry extract than with the placebo. Additionally, participants reported lower rates of perceived exertion during the steady-state portion of the exercise. Blood analysis confirmed that plasma caffeine and chlorogenic acid (a polyphenol) concentrations increased significantly during exercise and recovery.
2. No Impact on Glycogen Resynthesis: Despite the improvement in physical performance, the muscle biopsies revealed that the coffee cherry extract did not accelerate glycogen replenishment. Muscle glycogen content increased similarly in both the placebo and supplement groups from 0 to 4 hours, and again from 4 to 24 hours.

J. Randal Wexler, General Counsel and VP of R&D at FutureCeuticals, noted the impact of the results for consumers. "These results support our commitment to deliver clean, science-backed, low-dosed energy solutions that meet the needs of today's active consumer," stated Wexler.² “Caffinity not only enhances performance, it also demonstrates better metabolic recovery and glucose stability than typically associated with functional doses of caffeine. For athletes looking to optimize their performance nutrition strategies, Caffinity is a new tool to reduce stimulant exposure without sacrificing results."

The company also stated that Caffinity is produced from sustainably sourced coffee fruit and is standardized to 70% natural caffeine and 5% natural polyphenols.

Implications for the Nutraceutical Industry

The findings present insights for the sports nutrition and active lifestyle sectors. For nutraceutical brand owners and manufacturers, these findings contribute toward whole-food, plant-based sports ingredients that deliver multiple bioactive compounds. This study confirms that a whole coffee cherry extract delivers measurable performance benefits at a moderate, 200 mg caffeine dosage while simultaneously delivering chlorogenic acid polyphenols.

Research on Organic NatureKnit from FutureCeuticals

In addition to active nutrition, the company has also highlighted research on gut health products. An in vitro study published earlier this year examined the effect of supplementation from Organic NatureKnit on gut microbiome modulation.³ NatureKnit contains organic apple, grape, and blueberry fibers, plus organic whole spinach and carrot, at least 40% dietary fiber, and 1–4% of naturally occurring fiber-bound polyphenols. The research compared the effects with prebiotic fibers.

Simulation of human digestion demonstrated the supplement’s prebiotic effects, including an increase of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and an increase in bacterial species richness. "This new research demonstrates that our patented blend of diverse fruit and vegetable fibers, along with naturally occurring fiber-bound polyphenols, delivers a greater and more sustained prebiotic effect compared to purified fibers within the human gut microbiome."

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Pavis GF, Kingma RL, Nemzer BV, Abshiru N, Wall BT, Stephens FB. An extract from whole Coffea arabica coffee cherry improves time trial performance, but not muscle glycogen resynthesis, in trained cyclists. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2026;23(1). doi: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2682323
2. FutureCeuticals. Published Study Shows Clinically Significant Energy, Performance, and Metabolic Benefits of FutureCeuticals' Caffinity™. June 10, 2026. Accessed June 10, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/published-study-shows-clinically-significant-energy-performance-and-metabolic-benefits-of-futureceuticals-caffinity-302795818.html
3. McEvoy E. Study shows Organic NatureKnit enhances gut microbiome activity and diversity. January 22, 2026. Accessed June 10, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/study-shows-organic-natureknit-enhances-gut-microbiome-activity-and-diversity