The heat you feel when you eat chili is real thermogenesis: capsaicinoids activate the TRPV1 receptor, triggering sympathetic nervous system activity that raises energy expenditure, releases free fatty acids from fat stores and increases satiety. The catch has always been tolerability — the dose that moves metabolism is a dose few stomachs accept.

カプシマックス (OmniActive Health Technologies) solves that with OmniBead® technology: a controlled-release coating that carries the capsaicinoids past the stomach to be released in the intestine. The result is a concentrated extract clinically studied at 2 mg capsaicinoids (100 mg Capsimax®) per day, shown to increase resting energy expenditure, raise fat oxidation and reduce appetite and energy intake — without raising heart rate or blood pressure, and without gastric distress. Meta-analyses of capsaicinoid studies estimate roughly 50 extra kcal burned per day and around 70 fewer kcal consumed per meal.

Carni-Lipolysis Active¹² provides 125 mg Capsimax® (2.5 mg capsaicinoids) per sachet — above the clinical dose — and 5 mg capsaicinoids at the full daily dose, as the thermogenic engine of a completely stimulant-free formula.

How does Capsimax® capsaicinoids work? The mechanism explained

TRPV1 activation and sympathetic drive

Capsaicinoids bind TRPV1 receptors in the gut and on sensory nerves, increasing sympathetic nervous system output and adrenaline release. Unlike stimulants, this happens through a sensory pathway, not by blocking adenosine or flooding receptors — so heart rate and blood pressure stay unchanged.

Thermogenesis and brown fat

Sympathetic activation raises energy expenditure via uncoupling protein-1 in brown adipose tissue and increases diet-induced thermogenesis. Capsaicinoids have also been shown to promote ‘browning’ of white fat in experimental models.

Lipolysis and fat oxidation

Adrenaline released by TRPV1 activation stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors on fat cells, releasing free fatty acids. Studies with Capsimax® show increased free fatty acid and glycerol levels in blood — fat mobilised for the carnitine shuttle to burn.

Appetite and satiety

Capsaicinoids reduce hunger and increase fullness, partly via GLP-1 and reduced ghrelin, translating into lower spontaneous energy intake at meals.

OmniBead® controlled release

Capsimax®’s coating protects the stomach lining and releases the capsaicinoids lower in the GI tract, allowing a metabolically active dose with no oral or gastric burning.

What are the sports performance benefits of Capsimax® capsaicinoids?

Capsimax® is positioned by its makers for sports nutrition as much as weight management — and the mechanism explains why.

1. Does Capsimax® increase fat burning during exercise?

Capsaicinoid ingestion before exercise increases free fatty acid availability and fat oxidation; combined with carnitine, which transports those fatty acids into the mitochondria, the two complete the fat-burning pathway.

2. Does Capsimax® raise energy expenditure?

Yes. A single 100 mg Capsimax® dose (2 mg capsaicinoids) increased resting energy expenditure by about 6% in healthy adults (Ryan 2009), and meta-analyses estimate ~50 kcal/day additional expenditure from capsaicinoids.

3. Does it mobilise stored fat?

Capsimax® increased serum free fatty acids and glycerol — the direct markers of fat release — in controlled studies, confirming lipolysis.

4. Does Capsimax® affect heart rate or blood pressure?

No. Trials show no change in heart rate, blood pressure or catecholamine excretion despite the increase in energy expenditure — making it ideal for athletes who need accurate HR data and good sleep.

5. Does Capsimax® help with race-weight management?

Capsaicinoids reduce appetite and energy intake (~70 kcal per meal in meta-analysis) while increasing expenditure — a helpful, stimulant-free lever in a weight-cut.

6. Does Capsimax® work with training?

Capsimax® with exercise supported greater body-fat reduction than exercise alone in sports-nutrition studies, and its lipolytic effect is strongest during activity.

7. Does it support endurance in the heat?

Capsaicinoids raise core thermogenesis modestly; athletes training in heat should take it with normal hydration, and most find no thermal discomfort at the Capsimax® dose.

8. Does Capsimax® improve performance directly?

Some trials with capsaicin analogues report increased time to exhaustion and lower perceived exertion via TRPV1-mediated effects on muscle fatigue; the primary benefit remains body composition.

What are the health benefits of Capsimax® capsaicinoids?

Capsaicinoids have a substantial clinical literature in weight management, with multiple meta-analyses of human trials.

1. Does Capsimax® help with weight management?

Capsaicinoids increase energy expenditure, increase fat oxidation and reduce energy intake in meta-analyses of human trials; a 12-week Capsimax® study found reductions in waist and hip circumference and body fat.

2. Does Capsimax® reduce appetite?

Yes — capsaicinoid intake reduces hunger ratings and spontaneous energy intake by about 70 kcal per meal in meta-analysis, partly via GLP-1 and ghrelin changes.

3. Does it increase metabolic rate?

Resting energy expenditure rose ~6% after 100 mg Capsimax® in healthy adults; capsaicinoids are estimated to add ~50 kcal/day in meta-analysis.

4. Does Capsimax® support healthy blood sugar?

Capsaicinoids improve post-meal glucose and insulin responses in some studies, supporting normal glucose metabolism.

5. Does it support body composition after weight loss?

By preventing the drop in energy expenditure that follows dieting, capsaicinoids help maintain weight loss — one of the hardest parts of fat loss.

6. Is Capsimax® safe for the stomach?

Yes — that is its purpose. OmniBead® controlled release delivers the capsaicinoids without the gastric burning of raw cayenne, with excellent tolerability in trials.

7. Does Capsimax® affect cardiovascular health?

Capsaicinoids do not raise blood pressure or heart rate, and dietary capsaicin intake is associated with favourable cardiovascular markers in large cohorts.

8. Is Capsimax® suitable for long-term daily use?

Yes. It is a whole-food chili extract with GRAS status, stimulant-free and studied for 12 weeks or more without adverse effects.

Capsimax® capsaicinoids for endurance athletes: who benefits most?

How much Capsimax® capsaicinoids do you need, and when should you take it?

The clinically validated dose is 100 mg Capsimax® (2 mg capsaicinoids) once daily; studies have used up to 4 mg capsaicinoids/day with good tolerability.

Carni-Lipolysis Active¹² provides 125 mg Capsimax® (2.5 mg capsaicinoids) per sachet and 250 mg (5 mg) at the full daily dose — exceeding the clinical dose while remaining comfortably within studied ranges. Take one sachet before breakfast and, for rapid fat loss, one before your main meal.

Capsimax® is stimulant-free and does not affect heart rate, blood pressure or sleep. Take with water; those with active gastric ulcers should consult their doctor.

Which SCN™ products contain Capsimax® capsaicinoids?

Capsimax® appears in both halves of the SCN™ fat-loss stack.

Frequently asked questions about Capsimax® capsaicinoids

Scientific references

1. Whiting S, Derbyshire E, Tiwari BK. Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role for weight management? A systematic review of the evidence. Appetite 2012;59:341–348.
2. Whiting S, Derbyshire EJ, Tiwari B. Could capsaicinoids help to support weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data. Appetite 2014;73:183–188.
3. Zsiborás C et al. Capsaicin and capsiate could be appropriate agents for treatment of obesity: a meta-analysis of human studies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018;58:1419–1427.
4. Ryan ED et al. Acute effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement on energy expenditure and cardiovascular function at rest, during low-intensity exercise, and recovery from exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2009;23:807–817.
5. Bloomer RJ et al. Effect of oral intake of capsaicinoid beadlets on catecholamine secretion and blood markers of lipolysis in healthy adults: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, cross-over study. Lipids Health Dis 2010;9:72.
6. Rogers J et al. Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis. BMC Obes 2018;5:22.
7. Ludy MJ, Moore GE, Mattes RD. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses 2012;37:103–121.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This content is for education and general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or dietitian. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of young children. Not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you take medication or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before use.