A Little Pepper-Upper? Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies on Capsaicinoids, Capsinoids, and Exercise...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Capsaicinoids and capsinoids are bioactive compounds in peppers.
• Preclinical data suggest TRPV1-mediated effects on thermogenesis and sympathetic modulation.
• Human ergogenic effects as supplements remain unclear.

Approach:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Searched five major scientific databases for randomized placebo-controlled trials.
• Evaluated study quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

Key Points:

• 10 out of 19 included studies reported positive effects of capsaicinoid and capsinoid supplementation on exercise performance.
• The ergogenic benefits appear more pronounced in resistance training compared to other exercise modalities.
• Potential mechanisms involve the interaction between capsaicin TRPV1 and insulin-like growth factor-1.

Conclusions:

• Capsaicinoids and capsinoids show potential as ergogenic aids in healthy adults.
• Further research may elucidate exercise-specific effects and underlying physiological mechanisms.