About Capsaicin
The pungent compound in chili peppers, acting on TRPV1 receptors. Oral capsaicinoids have modest RCT support for small increases in energy expenditure and appetite suppression; effects are small. Topical capsaicin is an established analgesic but that is a drug use, not covered by these oral ranges.
What Capsaicin supports
- May modestly increase energy expenditure and reduce appetite
How much Capsaicin to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
2–10
mg
Oral capsaicinoid trials for metabolism/satiety typically use ~2-10 mg/day; higher doses cause GI irritation. Topical products are dosed by percentage, not this range.
Clinical evidence
Moderate clinical evidence. Some RCTs for modest metabolic/appetite effects; effect sizes small.
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