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I'm looking for substances that are generally considered healthy and without very negative side-effects.

Something that I could perhaps replace caffeine with, either for a period while I reduce my tolerance for caffeine, or longer term.

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Hi! Per our FAQ, this question isn't really in the scope of this site. As such, I voted to close. – VPeric Jun 10 '12 at 16:42
See our faq for more information on the scope of this site. Nutrition unrelated to exercise isn't on topic here. If you do edit and adjust your question accordingly, then reopening will not be an issue. – Matt Chan Jun 10 '12 at 23:54
quercetin products like FRS are a decent substitute (read non-addictive). frs.com – Ryan Miller Jun 11 '12 at 13:19

closed as off topic by Sancho, VPeric, Dave Liepmann, Matt Chan Jun 10 '12 at 23:53

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1 Answer

I'm not sure anything will reliably serve as a caffeine replacement, if you're specifically referring to any caffeine source (e.g., guarana is a source of caffeine but may be overlooked by a casual label reader).

Ephedrine would have been the canonical answer at one point; I'm not even sure you can get it in the US any more, although you might be able to get ma huang somewhere that sells Chinese medicine, or ordering it from overseas. Don't, before you understand what it is/etc., as with anything.

Large doses of B12 can produce a bit of a rush, but it's a completely different mechanism, effect, etc.

Some people say things like "royal jelly" can have similar effects... but meh; I've never seen anything real that supports that, other than some trace minerals and vitamins. There may be other benefits, but IMO nothing has shown anything caffeiney.

Ultimately I'd answer "no" if you're specifically looking for substances that are a direct replacement for caffeine, are available OTC, and aren't just caffeine in a different way (e.g., chocolate).

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