The Difference Between Banned and Restricted
The core of the misunderstanding surrounding Celsius and the NCAA lies in the distinction between a 'banned' substance and a 'restricted' one. The NCAA maintains a list of banned drug classes, which includes stimulants, anabolic agents, and masking agents, among others. Some substances are outright banned, meaning any trace amount could result in a penalty. Caffeine, however, is a restricted stimulant, not a universally banned one. This means that athletes are allowed to consume caffeine within specified limits, but consuming too much can lead to a positive drug test.
Caffeine and the NCAA's Threshold
The NCAA has established a urine caffeine concentration limit of 15 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/ml). An athlete will test positive for a banned stimulant if their caffeine levels exceed this threshold during testing. For context, the U.S. Olympic Committee estimates that a person may consume 500mg of caffeine to reach this limit within a few hours of competition. A single 12-ounce can of Celsius contains approximately 200mg of caffeine, with some versions containing as much as 270mg. Consequently, an athlete who drinks two or more Celsius cans in a short period before a drug test could potentially exceed the NCAA's allowable limit and face sanctions. The NCAA's policy is designed to prevent unfair performance enhancement and protect athlete health from the risks of excessive stimulant use, such as heart problems, jitters, and dehydration.
The Role of Guarana
Another source of confusion comes from the ingredient guarana extract, which is found in Celsius and is a potent natural source of caffeine. Some publications incorrectly stated that guarana was a uniquely banned substance. However, sources like Drug Free Sport AXIS, the NCAA's authoritative resource, have clarified that guarana is simply listed as an example of a caffeine source, not as a specifically prohibited ingredient on its own. The NCAA's rule is based on the final concentration of the stimulant (caffeine) in the athlete's system, regardless of its source.
Risks of Consuming Non-Certified Supplements
The NCAA's strict regulations extend beyond individual ingredients to supplements as a whole. The organization provides a clear warning that it does not approve any nutritional or dietary supplements. This is a critical point because the supplement industry is not tightly regulated by the FDA, increasing the risk of products being contaminated with banned substances not listed on the label. Student-athletes who choose to consume any supplement, including Celsius, do so at their own risk. A positive drug test resulting from supplement contamination, even if unintentional, can still lead to eligibility loss.
Comparison of Energy Drink Caffeine Content
To highlight the potential risk of high caffeine intake from energy drinks, here is a comparison of typical caffeine levels:
| Beverage | Approximate Caffeine Content (per 12 fl oz) |
|---|---|
| Celsius | 200-270mg |
| Red Bull | 111mg (based on 8.4 fl oz can with 80mg) |
| Brewed Coffee | 140-192mg (depending on strength) |
| Coca-Cola | 34mg |
Misinformation and Legal Challenges
The spread of misinformation likely contributed to the belief that Celsius is banned. Reports from college media and other online sources have sometimes mischaracterized the NCAA's position. Adding to the confusion, Celsius has faced lawsuits unrelated to the NCAA, including a class-action suit concerning marketing claims about preservatives. These separate legal battles may have fueled rumors that the NCAA itself was suing or banning the product, but this is inaccurate. The core issue is always the athlete's compliance with NCAA drug testing policies, not a blanket prohibition of the beverage itself. For more information, athletes are encouraged to consult the official NCAA Banned Substances List and their school's athletic trainers.
Conclusion
In summary, the NCAA has not issued a ban specifically on Celsius. The beverage is not on a list of prohibited products in the same way anabolic steroids are. Instead, the risk to student-athletes comes from the product's high caffeine content, which, if consumed in large quantities, can push an athlete over the NCAA's strict stimulant threshold. The NCAA's 'use at your own risk' policy for all supplements further complicates matters, as contamination remains a possibility. Therefore, athletes must exercise caution and track their stimulant intake from all sources to maintain their eligibility.
