Anyone who has ever gone to the gym or regularly played sports knows that taking some substance (legal) is often necessary to push us through a workout or a game. And we need it not only for sports activities but also in everyday life.
There is no doubt that the most famous such substance is caffeine. It improves our energy and focus.
But did you know that there are different forms of caffeine? Let me present today’s topic: dicaffeine malate vs. caffeine anhydrous.
A frequent question is which one is better. So, what’s the verdict? I’ll break it up for you.
What is Dicaffeine Malate?
Dicaffeine malate is a supplement that combines caffeine with malic acid. Since it is trademarked by Creative Compounds LLC, the official name is Infinergy. Although they hold the rights to that brand name, dicaffeine malate is a well-known substance, even used by Coca-Cola.
Malic acid is a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. It is popular in the food industry and cosmetics. (1) It is supposedly helpful for many conditions, although we need more scientific evidence about its effectiveness.
It is often part of supplements, but dicaffeine malate is rarely the sole source of caffeine in the product.
What is Caffeine Anhydrous?
Caffeine anhydrous is the most popular type of caffeine after coffee, tea, and other natural sources. (2) The literal translation of “anhydrous” is the substances without water or water-free substance. That’s an obvious indication of what kind of caffeine this is – dehydrated.
After processing natural caffeine sources, a highly concentrated white powder is obtained – the purest form of caffeine available. Caffeine anhydrous has a long history of use as a performance-enhancing substance.
Due to its price per gram and potency, it is a frequent ingredient in pre-workout supplements and weight loss products.
What’s the Difference Between Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine Anhydrous?
Both compounds provide a significant boost of energy and focus, but they differ in their chemical structures, absorption rates, and dosage.
Dicaffeine malate is a molecular compound composed of two caffeine molecules bound to a single malic acid molecule. In contrast, caffeine anhydrous is simply dehydrated caffeine.
Another key difference between dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous is their absorption rates. Dicaffeine malate is known for being absorbed more slowly by the body, while caffeine anhydrous is absorbed quickly.
Because caffeine anhydrous is a more potent form, it is typically used in much smaller doses.
How do the Benefits Compare Between Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine Anhydrous?
When comparing the benefits of dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous, it is crucial to understand that both compounds have similar effects on the body due to their caffeine content. (3) We use them for the same purposes, but the timing may differ depending on our current needs.
- Energy: They can provide a boost in energy levels. Dicaffeine malate is believed to provide a more sustained energy boost than caffeine anhydrous, known for its strong caffeine kick but also a crash.
- Focus: Both ingredients can enhance focus and concentration, but some people may find that dicaffeine malate provides a more focused and clear-headed feeling.
- Endurance: Again, dicaffeine malate is better for endurance, although both are useful.
- Weight loss: Caffeine anhydrous has been shown as a superior option for weight loss because it increases metabolism and thus promotes weight loss.
Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine Anhydrous – Does Either Have Any Side Effects?
Like any form of caffeine, both dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous have the potential to cause side effects, such as jitters, nervousness, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Caffeine should be avoided close to bedtime. Infrequently, they can lead to more severe side effects, such as heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
However, these side effects are way more likely to occur with caffeine anhydrous due to its potency, while headache is associated with dicaffeine malate more often.
If you want to avoid going to the toilet immediately after consuming caffeine, dicaffeine malate might be a good option. It turns out to trigger peristalsis less.
It’s worth noting that individual tolerance to caffeine can vary greatly. Individuals particularly sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution with both caffeine forms. (4)
Is it Ok to Take Supplements That Have Both Dicaffeine Malate and Caffeine Anhydrous?
No credible study focused only on the harmlessness of supplements that contain both dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous. What experience has shown us after years of using these two supplements together is that they are safe for healthy adults.
The most important thing is that the total caffeine content remains within the recommended limits. Forms of caffeine contributing to the total content are not so important in terms of safety.
Does Taking Dicaffeine Malate and Caffeine Anhydrous Together Lead to Additional Benefits?
Coincidental evidence suggests that taking dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous together may have additional benefits compared to taking either ingredient alone. But for the same reason why we can’t claim that taking both together is 100% safe, we also can’t say they have a synergistic effect. Studies are needed that will prove it.
And why is it considered that together they can benefit you more than each one separately? Due to the difference in absorption rate and the duration of the effects. Apparently, caffeine anhydrous gives you an energy kick, and dicaffeine malate should prevent a crash and prolong energy-boosting effects.
Bottom Line: Dicaffeine Malate vs. Caffeine Anhydrous – Which is More Beneficial?
It’s almost impossible to declare a winner. Both dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous have unique benefits and potential drawbacks.
The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and goals.
If you need an immediate and potent energy boost because you are starting a taxing workout, then caffeine anhydrous is what you need. On the other hand, individuals looking for a longer-lasting energy boost with fewer side effects of caffeine should go with dicaffeine malate.
Since we are all unique, the best approach is to try both and see how your body reacts. Caffeine as a substance is known to affect everyone differently.
How We Rate Dicaffeine Malate: 3/5
We had a tough time rating both. I’ll explain why.
Caffeine is not an essential substance. You can live your whole life without consuming it. On the contrary, most people cannot imagine a day without a cup of coffee, an energy drink, or a pre-workout supplement, and that’s why the global importance of caffeine is enormous.
Our final rating for dicaffeine malate is 3 out of 5. Considering that you don’t need to consume dicaffeine malate to be healthy, and yet that it is excellent because of its effectiveness and negligible side effects – we think that 3 is a realistic rate.
How We Rate Caffeine Anhydrous: 2.5/5
Our rating for caffeine anhydrous is 2.5 out of 5.
If you’re wondering why the rate is lower than dicaffeine malate and why we didn’t declare dicaffeine malate the winner, the answer is simple.
Caffeine anhydrous is a fantastic substance when used responsibly, providing a huge performance boost. The only downside is the possibility of causing serious side effects, but frankly speaking, the consumer is to blame in that case, not the supplement.
Conclusion
I hope this post answered all your questions regarding the difference between dicaffeine malate and caffeine anhydrous.
Just to recap, caffeine anhydrous provides a quick and potent energy boost, while caffeine malate is a combination of caffeine and malic acid that may be gentler on the stomach.
Both are good, but remember you should not abuse this or any other supplement. Take advantage of pre-workout substances only when you are low on energy; otherwise, rely on your strength, cardiovascular fitness, nutrition, rest, and devotion.
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