Fatigue is becoming a given of modern life. To cope with the need to stay alert and focused, consumers are searching food and beverage options to prevent physical fatigue. But, aside from the standard stimulants loaded with caffeine and related alkaloids, processors also are focusing on other botanicals—such as ginseng—as well as amino acid compounds—like creatine and carnitine—to fight fatigue.
Fatigue-fighters in foods, beverages and dietary supplements typically fall into two general categories: stimulants and adaptogens. Stimulants contain alkaloids—powerful compounds that act on the central nervous system to increase heart-rate, respiration and blood pressure. Their effect is temporary. Caffeine, the best-known stimulating alkaloid, is found in coffee, tea and many soft drinks, as well as in herbs, such as guarana and kola nut. Chronic consumption can lead to caffeine habituation, which, in addition to the obvious cautions that accompany this form of stimulation, lessens the energizing effect, leading the user to search for more energy.