Capsicum Annuum in FitSpresso: Thermogenesis, Measured
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is the source of capsaicinoids, the compounds that make chili hot and that slightly raise calorie burn. In FitSpresso it is a minor ingredient inside a 112 mg proprietary blend.
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| Also known as | Cayenne, red pepper, chili; active compounds: capsaicinoids |
|---|---|
| Amount in FitSpresso | Undisclosed share of a 112 mg blend; cayenne rated 40,000 H.U. (heat units) |
| Role in FitSpresso | Thermogenesis and appetite |
| Evidence | Moderate for small increases in energy use |
| Doses studied | About 2–4 mg capsaicinoids/day in supplement trials |
| Main side effects | Stomach discomfort, burning sensation |
What is Capsicum annuum?
Capsicum annuum is the species behind bell peppers, jalapeños and cayenne. Hot varieties contain capsaicinoids, mainly capsaicin. Heat units (Scoville heat units, H.U.) measure pungency, which is proportional to capsaicinoid content. A 40,000 H.U. cayenne is moderately hot culinary cayenne, not a concentrated extract.
How it is thought to work
Capsaicinoids activate TRPV1, the receptor that senses heat. This raises sympathetic nervous system activity and can slightly increase heat production and fat burning. NIH notes some appetite effects may come from mild stomach discomfort rather than satiety hormones.
What the research shows
A 2012 meta-analysis in Chemical Senses concluded capsaicin and capsiate increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, especially at high doses, but the effect is small. A 2018 meta-analysis estimated about 59 kcal a day, seen in people with a BMI over 25 but not in people at a healthy weight. NIH summarises a meta-analysis in which capsaicinoids reduced calories eaten at a meal by about 74 kcal (at least 2 mg needed), but a 12-week trial of 2 and 4 mg a day found no significant change in body weight.
Side effects and safety
NIH reports few safety concerns at studied doses; the main issue is stomach discomfort at around 4 mg a day. At FitSpresso’s much smaller amount, side effects from cayenne are unlikely, though people with reflux or ulcers may notice it.
Bottom line
Capsaicinoids have reasonable evidence for a small calorie-burn effect, but FitSpresso’s cayenne is a minor blend ingredient supplying far less than the studied amounts. Do not count on it for thermogenesis. See the full ingredient breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
How much cayenne is in FitSpresso?
Does FitSpresso’s cayenne boost metabolism?
Will FitSpresso taste spicy?
Is capsicum safe?
Sources
- Ludy MJ et al. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses. Chem Senses, 2012 (PubMed)
- Zsiborás C et al. Capsaicin and capsiate could be appropriate agents for treatment of obesity: a meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2018 (PubMed)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss (Health Professional Fact Sheet)