The Effect of Red Pepper Consumption on Acute Appetite

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of red pepper consumption on appetite.

Subjects and Method: This single-blind, randomized, cross-over study was conducted on 12 healthy male volunteers aged between 18-50 years old (27.4±10.1 years). The study was performed in three sessions with one-week wash-out periods between each session. Participants consumed a standardized lunch with 0 g (control), 1 g and 10 g of red pepper in randomized order in each session. Appetite parameters were measured by visual analog scale (VAS) immediately before and after meals (t = 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes).

Results: Compared to the control, only highest dose (10 g) of red pepper consumption increased the Area Under Curve (AUC) scores of satiety (p=0.004) and decreased the AUC scores of prospective food consumption (p=0.003). Appetite was not significantly affected with lower consumption of red pepper (1 g). There was no difference between the doses in terms of desire to eat fatty, salty, sugary or sour foods (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that consumption of higher dose of red pepper (10 g) may reduce appetite.