Capsaicinoids, substances naturally found in chili peppers, have been studied for their weight loss properties, though a 2012 study published in Appetite emphasized that it’s still no magic bullet.
The compound has been observed for its properties in manipulating the appetite of an individual, as presented by OmniActive during last year’s Experimental Biology conference in San Diego. What the ingredient Encapcin offers as a value-add to the popular ingredient, according to Nachurél Ingredients vice president Velmurugan Shanmugham, is its ability to bypass the stomach and go straight to the intestine.
“Capsaicinoids causes irritation to the lining of the stomach which can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. To help avoid gastric irritation, Capsaicinoids should be targeted to the intestine,” he said.
Shanmugham told NutraIngredients-USA that the ingredient is available in the form of microsphere beadlets, using a proprietary technology called Enbead, “which utilizes polymers and actives as an acid resistant matrix to prevent release and irritation to the stomach lining.”
Use in different supplement forms
The ingredient, which has just been launched but is not yet present in any supplement product, is marketed for use in capsules, tablets, and ready mix formulations.
“It is available in two grades – US and Japanese,” the company said in a release. “The residual solvent level in the US grade complies with U.S. pharmacopeia and Japanese grade complies with all applicable Japanese (MHLW) regulations.”
According to Shanmugham, the company has only conducted toxicity studies and not yet conducted efficacy studies on the Encapcin ingredient, but “capsicum extract standardized for capsaicinoids is well recognized for weight management.”
Target markets: Sports Nutrition and Weight Loss
In addition to weight loss supplements, the company is positioning the product as an ingredient for sports nutrition—a category that is poised for massive growth.
A range of consumers, from serious to recreational athletes, are taking sports nutrition products. Data from Euromonitor recorded continual retail sales growth for the past three years, with a forecasted $7.4 billion plus in sales for the US market alone at the end of last year.
For Encapcin, the manufacturers suggests a dose of 100mg to 200mg per day, ”which provides 2 to 4mg of pure capsaicinoids”, said Shanmugham. The formulation was designed to be taken before low intensity exercise, as it “may be helpful for the management of healthy lipid profile”, the company said.