Capsaicin For Weight Loss, Appetite Control & Metabolism

Many people are interested in using the supplement capsaicin for weight loss and weight management purposes.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their spicy flavor.

All types of chili peppers contain some amount of capsaicin. The more capsaicin a pepper has, the hotter that pepper tastes.

Research shows that capsaicin can affect several mechanisms related to weight loss, including the basal metabolic rate, adipogenesis, thermogenesis, appetite and fat oxidation.

The precise way that capsaicin works for weight loss is not completely understood. However, it is believed that most capsaicin effects stem from activating TRPV1 receptors throughout the body.

Preliminary evidence suggests that taking capsaicin supplements or consuming chili peppers may reduce bodyweight and prevent obesity, to some degree.

It may cause an increase in fat oxidation relative to carbohydrate oxidation. This can decrease appetite, which can subsequently decrease food intake amounts.

In other words, consumption of capsaicin may cause the body to burn more fat for energy as opposed to stored glucose (sugar).

Capsaicin

Pepper Extract

Joints

Appetite Control

Vitality

How It Works:

• Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
• Promotes joint function & pain relief
• Promotes appetite control & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 1000 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Capsaicin for Weight Loss

Capsaicin may promote anti-obesity effects by stimulating (agonizing) TRPV1 receptors in the body.

This is a receptor involved in the detection and regulation of body temperature. It becomes activated when temperatures are increased above 43 °C (109 °F) or after eating hot chilli peppers, wasabi or mustard.

TRPV1 refers to the Transient Receptor Potential cation channel subfamily V member 1. It is sometimes referred to as the capsaicin receptor or the vanilloid receptor 1.

Capsaicin receptors are found throughout the body in neurons in the brain, muscle cells, mast cells, T cells, fibroblasts, liver cells and adipocytes (fat storage cells).

Activating TRPV1 receptors can induce numerous biological effects. In 2015, a review of capsaicin concluded that it can induce systemic (whole body) activation of TRPV1.

Capsaicin receptors mediate substance P; a neuropeptide and neuromodulator which has roles in inflammation, pain, stress and anxiety.

Activating this receptor type may also increase metabolism and thermogenesis, causing the body to burn more calories.

Research on Capsaicin for Obesity

In a single study, oral administration of capsaicin reduced amounts of food consumed and increased satiety.

Long term human studies on the effects of capsaicin have been limited, mainly because it is a very pungent substance that affects taste and smell organs unpleasantly.

By activating TRPV1 receptors, capsaicin may cause adrenaline (epinephrine) to be released from the adrenal glands. This stimulates beta-adrenergic activities on fat cells, which subsequently boosts metabolism.

In one study, consuming 10 grams of red pepper with a meal enhanced metabolism for a half hour after eating. Research continues to explore the effects of capsaicin on metabolic rate and body composition.

Fat oxidation:

Fat oxidation refers to the amount of energy (calories) that is derived from fatty acids instead of carbohydrates like glucose.

In rats, oral ingestion of capsaicin at 10 mg/kg of bodyweight appeared to increase fat oxidation subsequent to upregulating adrenaline release.

In one human study, capsaicin also increased fat oxidation rates. This occurred in healthy adult men who ingested 150 mg capsaicin one hour before engaging in low-intensity exercise sessions.

The fat oxidation effects of capsaicin continue to be explored in human studies.

Thermogenesis:

Basically, thermogenesis refers to heat production within the body. In mammals, thermogenesis primarily occurs when calories are burned (metabolized).

Burning more calories creates more heat. When the internal temperature of the body is increased through thermogenesis, this also causes a higher metabolic rate.

Capsaicin is also able to increase thermogenesis. This seems to occur because of neuronal stimulation, most likely by nerves which express VR1 (vanilloid type 1) receptors.

Researchers continue to study how capsaicin-induced thermogenesis may support weight loss and/or inhibit weight regain. However, more human research is needed to understand this more completely.

Adipogenesis:

Adipogenesis refers to the process in which immature fat storage cells called preadipocytes mature into adipocytes. Like many cells and tissues throughout the body, adipocytes express TRPV1.

In isolated adipocytes, capsaicin reduced fat cell accumulation during periods of adipogenesis by 62%. The activities of fatty acid synthase were also reduced (by 91%). When these adipocytes were not in the process of adipogenesis, capsaicin had no effect.

Capsaicin may reduce adipogenesis by inhibiting triglyceride accumulations in fat cells. Even small amounts of capsaicin have been shown to induce these effects during adipogenesis.

In one study, when mice were fed a high fat diet along with an undisclosed amount of capsaicin, obesity was prevented for 4 months. No significant changes in diet were made. This antiobesity effect was not noted in mice which did not express TRPV1 receptors.

Appetite:

Preliminary research in humans found that ingesting 2.5 mg of capsinoids, including capsaicin, had negative effects on calorie consumption. They concluded that adding capsaicin to the diet might help with weight loss because it might reduce caloric intake.

Long-term human studies are needed in this area to determine the efficacy of capsaicin for controlling appetite or reducing intake of calories.

Capsaicin Side Effects

Chili peppers are consider a GRAS food (Generally Regarded as Safe) according to the FDA.

These peppers are safe for most people in dietary amounts, but may cause irritation or an unpleasant burning sensation when consumed by individuals with a high sensitivity to spicy foods.

These effects are usually temporary and not linked to serious health conditions. Most people experience no serious side effects from capsaicin in chili peppers.

When used as a dietary supplement, capsaicin capsule do not interact with the taste buds on the tongue. Therefore, they will not cause a burning sensation.

In some people, eating chili peppers causes increased perspiration, flushing of the face, gas, bloating, nausea and/or diarrhea. When capsaicin is used as a topical cream for joint pain, it can cause itching, burning and stinging where it is applied.

Capsaicin in chili peppers may interact with certain medications. Be careful if combining chili pepper extracts with ACE inhibitors, antidiabetic drugs and antiplatelet drugs.

Be careful combining capsaicin with herbal supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Some of these include ginger, garlic, ginseng, turmeric and fenugreek.

Talk to your doctor about using capsaicin during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Discontinue using capsaicin supplements 2 weeks before scheduled surgeries.

There is no typical dosage for using capsaicin for weight loss purposes. Small amounts have been shown to activate TRPV1. Talk to your doctor about the best capsaicin dosage level for you.

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