Effect of Dihydrocapsiate on Energy Expenditure in Women

Randomized, Controlled, Parallel Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Dihydrocapsiate on Energy Expenditure in Women

The objective of this study is to test the effect of dihydrocapsiate on energy expenditure in women.

Capsaicin, a substance found in chili pepper, is known to stimulate thermogenesis. Dihydrocapsiate, a capsinoid, found in the non-pungent CH-19 sweet pepper has similar thermogenic effects without the gastrointestinal side effects. The objective of this project is to test the effect of 12 weeks of daily consumption of 9 mg dihydrocapsiate on resting energy expenditure relative to baseline when compared to a control group consuming products without DCT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI: 18.5-34.5 kg/m2
• Good general health
• Low to mild physical activity
• Willing to maintain habitual diet and physical activity patterns throughout the study period
• Premenopausal and cycling regularly or using oral contraceptives
• Willing to attend study visits only during the follicular phase or bleed phase of their menstrual cycle
• Understands study procedures and signs forms providing informed consent to participate in the study
• Have spoken and written English literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes mellitus or any conditions that might affect energy metabolism
• Weight change ±2 kg over previous three months
• Known sensitivity or allergy to ingredients of the study products
• Non-breakfast eater
• Recent use of antibiotics
• History of smoking during the six months prior to study
• Recent signs or symptoms of infection, including cold or flu-like symptoms
• Concurrent or recent intervention study participation
• Instability in breathing patterns or energy expenditure measures
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• Lipid-lowering, anti-hypertensive or anti-inflammatory steroid medication use
• Weight loss medication
• Pregnant or lactating
• Unwilling to be randomized to any experimental group and unable to meet all requirements of the study