Human studies have shown that capsaicin, a compound extracted from chilly peppers, can stimulate certain physiologic functions (for example, energy expenditure, thermogenesis, lipid oxidation, heart rate, etc.). The purpose of this study is to measure the impact of ingesting various spicy molecules on a set of physiologic parameters compared to a placebo. The molecules were selected for their different sensory properties. The results of this study will allow us to implement an effective method for measuring the impact of ingesting spices on certain body functions (for example, metabolism and autonomic nervous system activity). This study will also allow us to identify the beneficial properties of eating certain spices.
Primary objective and outcome: The main objective of this study is to establish a methodology to evaluate the acute impact of spice ingestion on metabolism and autonomic nervous system activity. Primary outcomes: Impact of the spice on autonomic nervous system activity: Power spectra analysis on heart rate variability (HRV) changes during the 90 post ingestive minutes (measured by ECG). Impact of the spice on metabolism: Energy expenditure changes during the 90 post ingestive minutes (measured by indirect calorimetry). As secondary outcomes blood pressure changes and facial temperature changes on specific area (nose, cheeks and forehead) will be evaluated. Substrate oxidation (carbohydrates and fat utilization) and the respiratory quotient (RQ) will be calculated using indirect calorimetry data for energy expenditure measure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
19
Each subject had to ingest a single dose of each of the spices and placebo. Recording of outcomes was realized throughout the 90 minutes following ingestion.
Tomato juice intake
NESTEC / Metabolic Unit
Lausanne, Switzerland
Resting energy expenditure
Calculation of the resting energy expenditure from continuous measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxid production (indirect calorimetry).
Time frame: change from baseline to 90 minutes following product intake
Heart rate variability
Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability from continuous measurement of very low, low and high frequency range electrocardiographic signals.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 90 minutes following product intake
Substrat oxidation
Carbohydrate oxidation, lipid oxidation, and respiratory quotient from continuous measurements by indirect calorimetryof oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 90 minutes following product intake
Blood pressure
Standard blood pressure monitoring using an arm cuff
Time frame: every 15 minutes over 90 minutes of recording following product intake
Facial skin temperature modification
Measurement of the skin temperature of the face using an infrared camera (FLIR A325)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 90 minutes following product intakeover 90 min
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