A Commercially Available Thermogenic Dietary Supplement Increases Resting Metabolic Rate in Physically Active Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Investigation

Abstract

Males seeking to improve body composition may ingest thermogenic dietary supplements with the goal of elevating resting metabolic rate. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a commercially available dietary supplement (containing ingredients that promote thermogenesis) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Ten healthy, physically active males (age: 26.5 ± 6.4 years; height: 177.6 ± 7.2 cm; body weight: 80.5 ± 10.8 kg) underwent two testing sessions separated by approximately 7 days. Following baseline assessments of RMR, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP), each participant ingested a thermogenic dietary supplement or a placebo. Assessments were repeated at 60, 120, and 180 minutes postingestion. Approximately 1 week later, participants ingested the alternative supplement and the assessments were repeated. Post hoc analyses revealed that the dietary supplement treatment demonstrated significant elevations in RMR during the postingestion period (p < 0.05) from 1,859 ± 266 kcal to 2,027 ± 288 kcal (increase of 9%) to 2,072 ± 292 kcal (increase of 11.5%) and to 2,040 ± 271 kcal (increase of 9.7%) at 60, 120, and 180 minutes postingestion, respectfully. No significant elevations were observed in the placebo treatment at any time point. HR and BP measures were within normal clinical values throughout the intervention.

Keywords:

• bodybuilding
• body composition
• fat loss
• sports nutrition

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

MusclePharm Corporation (Denver, CO) provided funding for this project. All researchers involved independently collected, analyzed, and interpreted the results from this study and have no financial interests concerning the outcome of the study.

Notes on contributors

Bill I. Campbell

Bill I. Campbell, PhD is the Director of the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Ross Perry

Ross Perry, MS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

John Horsley

John Horsley, MS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Danielle Aguilar

Danielle Aguilar, BS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Taylor Shimshock

Taylor Shimshock, MS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Carl Fox

Carl Fox, MS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Andres Vargas

Andres Vargas, MS is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.

Lauren Colenso-Semple

Lauren Colenso-Semple, BA is a Research Assistant in the Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida.