Summary

Caffeine Citrate is formed when anhydrous caffeine is treated with citric acid in the presence of sodium citrate. It is listed on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines [1].

Citrate Defined

Caffeine Content: Approximately 50% caffeine by weight

Using the citrate form allows the body to absorb caffeine more quickly.

Caffeine Citrate Benefits

Caffeine citrate benefits are largely similar to those of caffeine anhydrous, meaning it works well as a stimulant, reducing fatigue and boosting alertness. It can eliminate pain from headaches as well.

Your body requires approximately 45 minutes to absorb caffeine, with peak blood concentration occurring one to two hours after ingestion [2, 3]. Caffeine citrate can reach peak concentration within 30 minutes [4].

Side Effects

The most common side effect is disrupted sleep. Effectively, avoid taking caffeine citrate in the afternoon or evenings.

Caffeine Citrate Dosage

When dosing caffeine citrate, use a 2:1 ratio based on your caffeine anhydrous dosage. This means since the typical caffeine anhydrous dosage is 50-100mg, you should use 100-200mg of caffeine citrate.

If you have never used caffeine citrate before, start with the smallest suggested dose (100mg) and only increase the dosage after you have determined how your body responds.