Capsaicinoid Ingestion, Human Metabolism and Exercise (Phase 2)
Capsaicinoid Ingestion, Human Metabolism and Exercise (Phase 2)
Capsaicinoids (the active ingredient in hot peppers) have been shown to cause a moderate
 increase in energy expenditure (50 kcal/day) as well as reductions in appetite, energy
 intake, and (visceral) adiposity. As such, there is considerable interest in capsaicinoid for
 weight loss supplements. Owing to the fact that these changes are believed to be driven by
 catecholamine release and alterations in fat oxidation, there is growing belief that
 capsaicin may also offer potential ergogenic benefits (performance enhancement) during
 exercise, similar to the affect of caffeine, which works through similar pathways. Of
 particular interest are the recent findings that free-fatty acids in the blood are elevated
 2-2.5hrs post ingestion, yet changes in typical cardiovascular or sympathetic nervous tone
 indicators (heart rate, blood pressure) were unaffected, suggesting some of the negative
 consequences of other stimulants may be avoided. At present, however, more in depth
 investigations of the effects on endothelial function, vascular autonomic tone and
 inflammation are lacking.

 Although there are some indications that capsaicinoid ingestion may alter factors associated
 exercise performance (such as increased fat oxidation for glucose sparing), to date these
 studies have primarily used very low exercise intensities wherein these effects are typically
 unnecessary, and results are not generalizable to the typical race intensities of endurance
 sport competition. Performance measures have also been a noticeably absent outcome from
 research to date.

 Hypotheses: 1), Exercise performance will improve, at a level similar to those demonstrated
 for caffeine ingestion 2) ratings of perceived exertion will go down with the effect of
 causing intensity to go up 3) During sustained aerobic activity approaching the aerobic
 threshold alterations in substrate use will be minimal (but possibly meaningful in regard to
 performance); alterations at rest will be more pronounced. 4) acute alterations (6o min post
 single dose) in blood pressure, HRV, arterial stiffness and RMR will mirror the effects
 observed for more prolonged exposure in phase 1.
Inclusion Criteria:

 Subjects will be male or female, 18 yr -45yr and free from any known or suspected chronic
 conditions. General health and suitability to participate in an exercise/health research
 study will be confirmed through use of the PAR-Q+ screening questionnaire

 Exclusion Criteria:

 Any participant who has a positive answer to a screening question will be required to seek
 physician approval prior to any physical exercise. Baseline arrhythmia (tachycardia
 (>100pbm) and systolic or diastolic hypertension (>140/90 mmHg) will also be reason for
 exclusion. During baseline anthropometric assessment we will confirm that participants all
 fall within a typical BMI range (20-30 kg/m2) of either "normal" weight or "overweight",
 but not "underweight" or "obese". Persons who take cardiovascular medications, metabolic
 medications, smoke cigarettes, excessively consume alcohol, are prone to heartburn, or have
 a previous diagnosis of hyperlipidemia or hyperinsulemia will also be excluded