Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Menthol is used in athletic and exercise aids primarily due to its sensory effects and some evidence supporting its impact on exercise performance and perceived exertion. Menthol produces a cooling sensation by activating TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, which can help modulate thermal perception during exercise. Several studies have investigated the use of menthol, particularly in the form of mouth rinses or topical applications, to enhance performance in hot conditions. Evidence suggests that menthol mouth rinses can reduce the perception of heat and improve thermal comfort, potentially allowing athletes to perform better or longer in high temperatures. For example, a systematic review (Best et al., 2018, Sports Medicine) concluded that menthol application is associated with small but significant improvements in performance in the heat, mostly through perceptual rather than physiological changes. However, the effects are modest, and menthol does not actually lower core body temperature or alter sweat rate. Its use is not a substitute for proper hydration or cooling methods, but it may provide an ergogenic benefit in specific scenarios. Overall, the evidence base is growing, with moderate quality, but menthol is not universally effective for all athletes or in all conditions.

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