Study supports OmniActive’s capsaicin’s weight loss effects

The potential weight management effects of a proprietary hot red pepper extract may be linked to its ability to promote the break down of fat (lipolysis), says a new study.

According to findings published in the Lipids in Health and Disease, a single 100 milligram dose of OmniActive’s Capsimax ingredient increased levels of free-fatty acids both before and after exercise, compared with a placebo.

In addition to the increased level of fat burning, researchers from the University of Memphis also report that the capsaicin ingredient did not affect heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure. The researchers also note that there were gastric upsets associated with the supplement.

The study’s findings were welcomed by Jayant Deshpande, PhD, OmniActive’s chief technology officer. "This study shows very promising results surrounding Capsimax, while substantiating the need for supplementation with Capsimax in combination with exercise,” said Dr Deshpande.

Hot ingredient for weight management

Capsaicin is found in the white pulp of chili peppers and is the compound that gives them their ‘heat’, causing a burning sensation in any tissue it comes into contact with. However studies have investigated the compounds potential health benefits, including helping weight loss, having anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity, and inhibiting a number of cancer cells.

OmniActive’s Capsimax ingredient is said to be manufactured using a patented process that creates a “beadlet microsphere” that allows the nutrient to be released while “eliminating any potential discomfort” associated with chili’s inherent heat.

Study details

Led by Dr Richard Bloomer, the researchers recruited 10 men and 10 women and, after a 12 hour fast, randomized them to receive either 100 mg of Capsimax (providing a dose of capsaicinoids of 2 mg) or a placebo. Two hours after ingestion the participants performed 30 minutes of exercise.

Results showed that free fatty acid and glycerol levels – said to be indicative of lipolysis – were higher before and after exercise, compared with placebo, said the researchers.

“While many previous studies have used dosages of capsaicinoids ranging from 3 mg to over 150 mg while noting mixed findings for increased lipolysis, our data support the use of a very low dosage of capsaicinoids (2 mg) to increase free fatty acids and glycerol concentrations,” said the researchers. “It is possible that a higher dosage of our specific capsaicinoid supplement would promote more dramatic effects.

“It is also possible, based on dissolution studies of the Capsimax, that a longer time course of measurement may have been associated with more profound effects.

“Further research is necessary to test these hypotheses,” they added.

Source: Lipids in Health and Disease
2010, 9:72, doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-9-72
“Effect of oral intake of capsaicinoid beadlets on catecholamine secretion and blood markers of lipolysis in healthy adults: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, cross-over study”
Authors: Richard J Bloomer, R.E. Canale, S. Shastri, S. Suvarnapathki

To read the full paper, please click here.