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

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/m 2 [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.

A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance‐trained young adults: A randomised, triple‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

“…Contrary to our expectations, the results revealed that acute ingestion of dihydrocapsiate did not improve neuromuscular performance. These findings are in line with previous studies reporting that acute ingestion of capsinoids does not improve exercise performance during endurance ( Josse et al, 2010 ; Osuna‐Prieto et al, 2022 ; von Ah Morano et al, 2021 ). Potential explanations for these results may be (i) that the limited bioavailability of capsinoids in humans would not be enough to activate TRPV1 ( Bernard et al, 2008 ), and/or (ii) that the doses employed would not be too low to elicit any significant effects on neuromuscular performance.…”

Effects of phenylcapsaicin on aerobic capacity and physiological parameters in active young males: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

“…This fact is essential due to different factors such as the exercise intensity, metabolic cart use, or the ergometer employed, influence the metabolic responses during exercise ( Amaro-Gahete et al, 2018 ; Amaro-Gahete et al, 2019 ). Concerning the type of supplement used, previous studies revealed that capsinoids supplementation does not modulate the metabolic responses during aerobic exercise ( Osuna-Prieto et al, 2022 ; Rossi et al, 2022 ). Although a MFO protocol was used by Osuna-Prieto et al (2022) , previous research has reported that capsinoids are hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract, and their metabolites are excreted rapidly after their ingestion ( Bernard et al, 2008 ).…”

“…Sample size calculation was performed using the G* POWER software (Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany) with an alpha of 0.05, an effect size of 0.4 and a statistical power of 0.80. Based on previous studies ( Josse et al, 2010 ; Osuna-Prieto et al, 2022 ), 12 participants were required to establish statistical differences between conditions. To ensure the detection of differences 17 physically active males were enrolled in the study ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Third-degree polynomial regression was built to determine the absolute MFO (g/min) ( Midgley et al, 2007 ; Sanchez-Delgado et al, 2018 ). EE was estimated with Weir’s abbreviated equations ( Weir, 1949 ) and FATox and CHOox with Frayn’s stoichiometric equations assuming a negligible urinary nitrogen excretion ( Frayn, 2016 ; Osuna-Prieto et al, 2022 ). Subsequently, RER was calculated from the CHOox and FATox obtained data.…”

“…For instance, 10 mg/kg of capsiate supplementation 60 min prior to aerobic exercise decreased RER in mice males ( Santos et al, 2022 ). On the other hand, 12 mg of dihydrocapsiate supplementation has not exhibited significant differences in fat oxidation (FATox), non-esterified fatty acids, energy expenditure (EE), and skin temperature in sedentary overweight men during aerobic exercise ( Osuna-Prieto et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, most current studies do not standardize maximal fat oxidation (MFO) measurement in the pre-test, which may bias the metabolic endpoints measured ( Santos et al, 2022 ).…”