Effect of Dihydrocapsiate on Energy Expenditure in Women

Capsaicin, a substance found in chili pepper, is known to stimulate thermogenesis.
Dihydrocapsiate, a capsinoid, found in the non-pungent CH-19 sweet pepper has similar
thermogenic effects without the gastrointestinal side effects. The objective of this project
is to test the effect of 12 weeks of daily consumption of 9 mg dihydrocapsiate on resting
energy expenditure relative to baseline when compared to a control group consuming products
without DCT.

Inclusion Criteria:

- BMI: 18.5-34.5 kg/m2

- Good general health

- Low to mild physical activity

- Willing to maintain habitual diet and physical activity patterns throughout the study
period

- Premenopausal and cycling regularly or using oral contraceptives

- Willing to attend study visits only during the follicular phase or bleed phase of
their menstrual cycle

- Understands study procedures and signs forms providing informed consent to
participate in the study

- Have spoken and written English literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

- Diabetes mellitus or any conditions that might affect energy metabolism

- Weight change ±2 kg over previous three months

- Known sensitivity or allergy to ingredients of the study products

- Non-breakfast eater

- Recent use of antibiotics

- History of smoking during the six months prior to study

- Recent signs or symptoms of infection, including cold or flu-like symptoms

- Concurrent or recent intervention study participation

- Instability in breathing patterns or energy expenditure measures

- History of drug or alcohol abuse

- Lipid-lowering, anti-hypertensive or anti-inflammatory steroid medication use

- Weight loss medication

- Pregnant or lactating

- Unwilling to be randomized to any experimental group and unable to meet all
requirements of the study