Capsimax Capsaicin Ingredient Increases Metabolic Rate in New Study

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A new study,¹ published in the Obesity: Open Access journal, suggests that supplementation with capsaicinoids, in the form of OmniActive Health Technologies’ (Morristown, NJ) proprietary Capsimax ingredient, may help to boost subjects’ metabolism. The study findings demonstrate capsaicinoids’ potential for managing weight.

OmniActive noted in a press release that weight management becomes increasingly difficult as people age. This is due, in large part, to a slowing metabolism, it says. However, the findings from this new study show that the hot pepper extract helps boost the metabolic rate. According to the study authors, capsaicinoids, which are the “pungent, naturally occurring active compounds in capsicum fruits such as hot chili peppers (genus Capsicum),” have been shown in previous studies to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer benefits, in addition to potentially decreasing the chance of obesity.

Vijaya Juturu, PhD, F.A.C.N, one of the lead authors of the new study, explained that OmniActive’s Capsimax supplement was a good candidate for the trial. “Because capsaicinoids (the component of hot peppers that gives them heat) are hot, it was imperative that we use an ingredient which the subjects could tolerate,” she said in the press release. “Since Capsimax is made using a proprietary beadleting technology, OmniBead, which coats the capsicum extract, releasing it only when it reaches the intestines where it is absorbed without discomfort, we were able to deliver beneficial levels of capsaicinoids to our subjects, which made the MR [metabolic rate] Study possible.”

In the placebo-controlled, crossover, open-label study, 40 healthy adults were supplemented with either 2 mg capsaicinoids from 100 mg Capsimax daily or the equivalent dosage of a placebo. Researchers examined the participants’ resting energy expenditure, heart rate, and blood pressure, to determine what effects, if any, capsaicinoids have on those metabolic criteria. The study was conducted from May 2016 to September 2016.

The study authors note that resting energy expenditure is “the amount of energy required by the body during resting conditions and accounts for 60% of the calories you burn each day;” thus, increasing this amount would result in greater weight loss. In order to measure the subjects’ resting energy expenditure, researchers used a mobile indirect calorimeter called Breezing. The Breezing device determined resting energy expenditure “based on optical detection of a chemical sensor cartridge, oxygen consumption rate, and carbon dioxide production rate” in subjects’ breath.

Before each test, participants’ resting state was assured, then resting energy expenditure was recorded. Participants’ weight, height, and percentage of fat were also recorded with Tanita bio-impedance scale and a wall ruler. Finally, the subjects were instructed to wear a Zephyr chest strap tracker to monitor various physiological parameters-heart rate, for example. Specifically, the study was “single blind in between two tests,” with a minimum two-day washout period.  The subjects’ metabolic rates were measured three times-at one hour, two hours, and three hours. In all, the test period was roughly 3.5 hours.

The group supplemented with what researchers deemed a “low dose” of Capsimax showed increased metabolic rates, which researchers estimated was equivalent to burning an extra 116 calories per day. In addition, the researchers said, though resting energy expenditure varies from person to person, the metabolic increases observed in the study group would yield nearly 1 lb of fat lost over a period of 30 days. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding heart rate.

Abhijit Bhattacharya, president, OmniActive, commented on the significance of the study results: “Aging is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be active participants in our weight management as we age,” he said. “Capsimax is supported by multiple studies with findings showing safety, increased lipolysis and satiety, and improved healthy body composition. Now, with the publication of the MR Study, there is yet another demonstrated benefit of Capsimax as a natural, stimulant-free approach to weight management, sports nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle as we age.

References:

1. Cheng DY et al., “Capsaicinoids enhance metabolic rate in normal healthy individuals using a novel metabolic tracker breezing device-an open label placebo controlled acute study.” Obesity: Open Access. Published online June 12, 2017.