Capsinoids
Research reviewed: 2009–2017
Capsinoids (Capsiate & Dihydrocapsiate) is a dietary supplement with 12 published peer-reviewed studies involving 812 participants, researched for Thermogenesis & Metabolic Rate, Fat Oxidation & Body Composition, Safety & Tolerability.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Thermogenesis & Metabolic Rate
StrongFat Oxidation & Body Composition
StrongSafety & Tolerability
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Thermogenesis & Metabolic Rate
Evaluate capsinoids on thermogenesis in overweight adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate capsinoids on thermogenesis in overweight adults
Dose
6 mg/day capsinoids
Participants
40
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Capsinoids increased RMR by approximately 50 kcal/day vs placebo; well-tolerated without GI irritation
How They Measured It
Resting metabolic rate via indirect calorimetry
Test capsinoids on 24-hour energy expenditure in metabolic chamber
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test capsinoids on 24-hour energy expenditure in metabolic chamber
Dose
9 mg/day
Participants
18
Duration
1 day chamber + 4 weeks
Results
Capsinoids increased 24-hour EE by ~90 kcal vs placebo in low-BAT individuals; larger effect in high-BAT subjects
How They Measured It
24-hour EE via metabolic chamber, respiratory quotient
Assess capsinoids for energy expenditure and substrate oxidation
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess capsinoids for energy expenditure and substrate oxidation
Dose
3 mg capsinoids
Participants
25
Duration
Acute
Results
Increased fat oxidation by 15% post-dose; energy expenditure elevated for 2 hours; no cardiovascular side effects
How They Measured It
Indirect calorimetry, RER, heart rate
A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained young adults: A randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained young adults: A randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
A Little Pepper-Upper? Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies on Capsaicinoids, Capsinoids, and Exercise Performance
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
A Little Pepper-Upper? Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies on Capsaicinoids, Capsinoids, and Exercise Performance
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Gender-specific effects of capsiate supplementation on body weight and bone mineral density: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in slightly overweight women
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Gender-specific effects of capsiate supplementation on body weight and bone mineral density: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in slightly overweight women
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Dihydrocapsiate does not increase energy expenditure nor fat oxidation during aerobic exercise in men with overweight/obesity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Dihydrocapsiate does not increase energy expenditure nor fat oxidation during aerobic exercise in men with overweight/obesity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Fat Oxidation & Body Composition
Evaluate capsiate on body fat reduction
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate capsiate on body fat reduction
Dose
9 mg/day capsiate
Participants
80
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Capsinoid group lost significantly more abdominal fat (−0.4 kg fat mass) vs placebo; visceral fat reduction notable
How They Measured It
DEXA body composition, BMI, waist circumference
Assess capsinoids effect on body fat in obese adults
Study Type
Double-Blind Randomised Trial
Purpose
Assess capsinoids effect on body fat in obese adults
Dose
10 mg/day
Participants
120
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in body fat mass (−1.1 kg) vs placebo (−0.3 kg); lean mass maintained; fat oxidation improved
How They Measured It
DEXA, body weight, resting energy expenditure
Safety & Tolerability
Quantify capsinoid energy expenditure effects via metabolic chamber
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Quantify capsinoid energy expenditure effects via metabolic chamber
Dose
9 mg/day
Participants
24
Duration
Acute and 4-week
Results
Consistent thermogenic effect across periods; no tolerance development over 4 weeks; no GI adverse events
How They Measured It
Whole-room calorimetry, substrate oxidation
Assess capsinoid safety and metabolic efficacy across trials
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Assess capsinoid safety and metabolic efficacy across trials
Dose
3–12 mg/day
Participants
320
Duration
4–12 weeks
Results
No significant adverse events in any trial; excellent tolerability; consistent modest thermogenic effect
How They Measured It
Pooled adverse event data; meta-analysis of metabolic outcomes
Confirm capsinoid tolerability in extended use
Study Type
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Confirm capsinoid tolerability in extended use
Dose
9 mg/day
Participants
185
Duration
16 weeks
Results
No significant GI complaints, liver enzyme changes, or cardiovascular adverse events; compliance >95%
How They Measured It
GI tolerance questionnaire, adverse events, liver function tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Capsinoids research
There are currently 12 peer-reviewed studies on Capsinoids (Capsiate & Dihydrocapsiate), involving 812 total participants. Research covers Thermogenesis, Fat Oxidation, Energy Expenditure and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Capsinoids has been researched for: Thermogenesis, Fat Oxidation, Energy Expenditure, Body Composition. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 12 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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