Combining Caffeine with Sugar May Improve Concentration

Focusing on work you really want to do is probably the best way to get more done. But for a small side benefit, try adding something sweet to your caffeine breaks. A new study shows glucose and caffeine could work better together.

Not that it's an endorsement for adding 300-plus calories to a simple cup of coffee, but a bit of sugar consumed at the same time as a caffeinated beverage seemed to help out 40 study subjects in some standard memory and focus tests:

Specifically, the team found that individuals who consumed caffeine and glucose in combination showed reduced brain activation associated with the task in the bilateral parietal cortex and the left prefrontal cortex — two regions that actively participate in attention and working memory processes. The reduced activity and the fact that no drop in behavioural performance was observed during the task suggests that the brain is more efficient under the combined effect of the two substances, since it needs fewer resources to produce the same level of performance than required by those subjects who were administered the placebo or who took only caffeine or glucose.

You can figure out what might be the sweet spot for your pick-me-up with the Buzz vs Bulge grid. For (a whole lot) more on what caffeine can do to your brain, read our take on that big topic. And, please: tell us how you add just a bit of sugar to your drink of choice in the comments.

Caffeine and glucose combined improves the efficiency of brain activity [ScienceDaily via@ExpertDan]