Capsaicinoid and Capsinoids as an Ergogenic Aid: A Systematic Review and the Potential Mechanisms Involved.

Study answer

What this study found

Acute CAP supplementation can modestly enhance endurance and some resistance-exercise performance in physically active adults, depending on dose and protocol. In humans, 3 of 8 studies showed significant acute endurance benefits and 2 showed acute resistance benefits, while several reported no benefit. Overall, CAP appears to be a promising ergogenic strategy, but effects are protocol-dependent and evidence is not yet robust. Chronic dosing data are limited, and high-dose regimens may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. More high-quality, varied trials across sexes and exercise modalities are…

Study & population

Humans: physically active men and recreationally trained runners; study designs included randomized, double-blind trials (some) and cross-over/parallel designs; sample sizes ranged roughly 10–41; interventions spanned acute single-dose to short-term (up to 7 days) supplementation.

Intervention

Oral supplementation with capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin) and capsinoids (capsiate).

Key limitation

Small sample sizes in human trials; heterogeneity of CAP formulations (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, capsiate), doses, and delivery methods; mostly acute exposure with limited long-term data; variable populations with limited female representation; some regimens associated with GI discomfort at higher doses; risk of…

View full study detailsView sourceOpen PDF

Original abstract