Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaisin
For the health condition: Exercise

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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.

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