Capsaicinoids Supplementation Reduces Appetite and Body Circumferences in Healthy Men and Women A Placebo Controlled Randomized Double Blind Study
Authors: Urbina Stacie L , Villa Katelyn Beth , Santos Emily , Olivencia Alyssa , Bennett Haley , Lara Marissa , Foster Cliffa , Taylor Lem , Roberts Mike , Kephart Wesley , Purpura Martin , Jaeger Ralph , Wilborn Colin 
Published: November 2023

Background

Consumption of capsaicinoids (CAP), the bioactive and pungent principles in red hot pepper, has been shown to increase energy expenditure and may impact overall metabolism. In vivo studies suggest that supplementation of CAP could positively affect risk factors of cardiovascular health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different doses of CAP on appetite and body circumference in healthy men and women.

Methods

In a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled design seventy‐seven (29.6 ± 11.3 y, 171.2 ± 9.8 cm, 80.9 ± 18.9 kg, 27.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2) apparently healthy males and females were randomly assigned by fat mass to ingest either CAP (2mg CAP, CX1 or 4mg CAP, CX2 [CX, Capsimax®, OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd.]) or placebo (corn starch, PLA) for 12 weeks. Subjects were requested not to make any changes to their current physical activity, provided instructions to restrict spicy foods and maintain current caloric intake. Subjects were instructed to take the pills with 8 ounces of water after breakfast. At baseline (T1), 6 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3), waist and hip circumferences, waist: hip ratio (WC, HC, and WHR), weight, appetite levels via Council on Nutrition appetite questionnaire (CNAQ) and adverse events questionnaires were administered. At baseline (T1) and 12 weeks (T3) complete blood count and complete metabolic panels were assessed. Statistical analyses utilized a two‐way ANOVA (group x time) with repeated measures for all dependent variables (p < 0.05).

Results

Waist: hip ratio measurements showed a main effect for time (p = 0.034) with post‐hoc tests revealing a significant (p = 0.024) decrease in CX1 from T1 to T2. Appetite questionnaire responses indicated a significant main effect for time from T1 to T2 (p = 0.004) and T1 to T3 (p = 0.001) suggesting supplementation of CAP reduced appetite. Post‐hoc analysis showed significant decreases in the following: PLA (T1 to T2, p = 0.05), CX1 (T1 to T3, p = 0.018), and CX2 (T1 to T2, p = 0.029; T1 to T3, p = 0.04). Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) for CNAQ appetite responses over time are as followed: PLA (T1: 30.96 ± 2.79; T2: 29.81 ± 2.35; T3: 30.26 ± 2.33), CX1 (T1: 31.33 ± 3.09; T2: 30.56 ± 2.76; T3: 30.11 ± 3.15) and CX2 (T1: 31.95 ± 2.73; T2: 31.23 ± 2.96; T3: 31.05 ± 3.12). 3‐day dietary recall analysis of total caloric intake showed a significant main effect for time (p = 0.019) in females at the 4 mg CAP dose at T3. No significant changes were observed in clinical blood safety markers at both doses of CAP.

Conclusion

These findings show evidence to support that the dietary supplementation of CAP has beneficial effects on anthropometric parameters (waist and hip circumferences) and appetite suppression. Observed changes in the CNAQ questionnaires suggest CAP is an effective appetite suppressant supported by the significant reduction in total caloric intake over 12 weeks. Further long‐term studies in relation to other metabolic factors are warranted.

Support or Funding Information

Vijaya Juturu, Ph.D., F.A.C.N. OmniActive Health Technologies