Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaisin
For the health condition: Exercise
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been investigated for its potential effects on exercise and athletic performance. There is some emerging scientific evidence suggesting that capsaicin supplementation may support exercise by modulating pain perception, increasing energy expenditure, and enhancing endurance performance. Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, which are involved in pain signaling; this activation can lead to a reduced perception of pain during exercise, potentially allowing athletes to train harder or longer. Some studies have shown that acute ingestion of capsaicin prior to exercise can increase time to exhaustion and reduce the rate of perceived exertion in endurance athletes. Additionally, capsaicin has thermogenic properties that may slightly elevate metabolism and fat oxidation during exercise.
However, the body of evidence remains limited, with most studies being small, short-term, and focused on specific populations or types of exercise. The effects are generally modest, and not all studies have found significant benefits. Safety and gastrointestinal tolerance can also be concerns with higher doses. While traditional use of capsaicin has focused more on pain relief (e.g., topical creams for muscle pain), its oral supplementation for exercise support is a relatively new area under scientific investigation. Therefore, while there is some scientific validation, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is currently moderate at best.
Other ingredients used for Exercise
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beta-alanine
branched-chain amino acids
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
endo-peptidase
fructose
ginseng
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protease
protein
spirulina
succinic acid
vitamin B12
zinc
capsicum
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Alpha polylactate
Arginine Creatine
Arachidonic Acid
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Arginine pyroglutamate
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bovine Protein
BCAA
Chia seed
Creatyl-L-glutamine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dextrose
Dipeptide
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Fatty acids
Glutamine
Ketone Salts
Other health conditions supported by Capsaisin
ArthritisBackache
Body Building
Bronchitis
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Exercise