Dihydrocapsiate does not increase energy expenditure nor fat oxidation during aerobic exercise in men with overweight/obesity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022 Jul 19;19(1):417-436. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2022.2099757. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Prior evidence suggests that capsinoids ingestion may increase resting energy expenditure (EE) and fat oxidation (FATox), yet whether they can modulate those parameters during exercise conditions remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that dihydrocapsiate (DHC) ingestion would increase EE and specifically FATox during an acute bout of aerobic exercise at FATmax intensity (the intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation during exercise [MFO]) in men with overweight/obesity. Since FATmax and MFO during aerobic exercise appear to be indicators of metabolic flexibility, whether DHC has an impact on FATox in this type of population is of clinical interest.

Methods: A total of 24 sedentary men (age = 40.2 ± 9.2 years-old; body mass index = 31.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2 [n = 11 overweight, n = 13 obese]) participated in this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT05156697). On the first day, participants underwent a submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine their MFO and FATmax intensity during exercise. After 72 hours had elapsed, the participants returned on 2 further days (≥ 72 hours apart) and performed a 60 min steady-state exercise bout (i.e. cycling at their FATmax, constant intensity) after ingesting either 12 mg of DHC or placebo; these conditions were randomized. Respiratory gas exchange was monitored by indirect calorimetry. Serum marker concentrations (i.e. glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), skin temperature, thermal perception, heart rate, and perceived fatigue) were assessed.

Results: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between DHC and placebo conditions in the EE and FATox during exercise. Similarly, no significant changes were observed in glucose, triglycerides, or NEFAs serum levels, neither in the skin temperature nor thermal perception across conditions. Heart rate and perceived fatigue did not differ between conditions.

Conclusions: DHC supplementation does not affect energy metabolism during exercise in men with overweight/obesity.

Keywords: Capsinoids; FATmax; TRPV1; metabolism; nutraceutical; obesity.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Capsaicin / analogs & derivatives
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise* / physiology
  • Fatigue
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Overweight* / therapy
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Triglycerides

Substances

  • Triglycerides
  • Glucose
  • capsiate
  • Capsaicin

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05156697

Grants and funding

The study was supported by the Spanish Junta de Andalucía via Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades, Proyectos I+D+i del Programa Operativo del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER 2018, ref. B.CTS.377.UGR18 to JRR), the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (PTA 12264-I to JRR), the Spanish Ministry of Education FPU16/02828,FPU16/05159 (FPU16/02828 to FJOP, and FPU16/05159 to HX). This study is part of a Ph.D. thesis conducted in the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies of the University of Granada, Spain;Alfonso Martin Escudero Foundation