Exercise Metabolism, Fat Metabolism, Glucose Metabolism, Inflammation, Sport Nutrition
Conditions
Keywords
arabica coffee, chicory coffee, metabolism, Inflammation, Plant-based ergogenic aids
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the acute effects of chicory coffee on metabolism and exercise performance in healthy, moderately active male participants aged 18-25. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does chicory coffee influence glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism after exercise? Does chicory coffee affect physical performance and perceived fatigue levels? Researchers will compare chicory coffee (CC), arabica coffee (AC), and a no-drink control to see if chicory coffee has similar or unique metabolic and performance effects compared to caffeinated coffee or no intervention. Participants will: Consume one of the test beverages (chicory coffee, arabica coffee, or no drink) 45 minutes before performing a shuttle-run test Complete a standardized shuttle-run exercise test Undergo blood sample collection before and after exercise to assess glucose, lactate, LPL, TNF-α, adiponectin, and IL-6 Rate their perceived exertion and record symptoms
Detailed description
This study used a single-blind, randomized, controlled crossover design involving 22 healthy, moderately active male participants aged 18-25. Each participant underwent three intervention conditions in a randomized order: Chicory coffee (CC) Arabica coffee (AC) Control (no beverage) Before each trial, baseline data-including health status, dietary habits, and body composition-were collected. Participants consumed the assigned beverage 45 minutes before performing a shuttle-run test designed to assess endurance and physical performance. A 3-day washout period separated each intervention session to eliminate carryover effects. During each session, pre- and post-exercise measurements included: Blood glucose, lactate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation Subjective fatigue assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Additionally, venous blood samples were collected after exercise and analyzed for key metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) Adiponectin Interleukin-6 (IL-6) All blood samples were processed under cold-chain conditions and analyzed using ELISA methods. Dietary intake was monitored, and participants were instructed to maintain their usual eating habits while avoiding other caffeinated beverages during the study period. Statistical analysis included MANOVA and ANOVA, with Bonferroni corrections used for multiple comparisons.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTChicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root)
A single oral dose of 180 mL chicory coffee prepared by steeping 20 grams of roasted and ground chicory root in hot water (approximately 90°C) for 5 minutes. The beverage was administered once, exactly 45 minutes before exercise, as part of a single session within a randomized crossover design. Chicory coffee is naturally caffeine-free, and rich in inulin and polyphenols, which are standardized in each preparation. No additional ingredients (milk, sugar, or flavoring) were added. Blood lactate, glucose, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels were measured both before and after the exercise. In addition, venous blood samples were collected post-exercise to assess serum levels of adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and LPL.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTarabica coffee
A single oral dose of 180 mL Arabica coffee prepared by steeping 20 grams of roasted and ground chicory root in hot water (approximately 90°C) for 5 minutes. The beverage was administered once, exactly 45 minutes before exercise, as part of a single session within a randomized crossover design. Chicory coffee is naturally caffeine-free, and rich in inulin and polyphenols, which are standardized in each preparation. No additional ingredients (milk, sugar, or flavoring) were added. Blood lactate, glucose, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels were measured both before and after the exercise. In addition, venous blood samples were collected post-exercise to assess serum levels of adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and LPL.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTno beverage control
Participants underwent the shuttle run exercise protocol in a fasted state, without consuming any food or beverages prior to the test. Blood lactate, glucose, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels were measured both before and after the exercise. In addition, venous blood samples were collected post-exercise to assess serum levels of adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and LPL.
Sponsors
Fatma Özsel Özcan
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Intervention model description
This study used a single-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover design in which each participant received all three interventions (chicory coffee, arabica coffee, and control) in a randomized order. A 3-day washout period was implemented between each intervention to minimize carryover effects. The crossover model allowed within-subject comparisons of metabolic and performance responses to each beverage condition.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Male participants aged 18 to 25 years Healthy status based on self-report and screening (no diagnosed chronic disease) Moderately physically active (minimum 3 days/week of physical activity) No regular use of medication or dietary supplements Non-smoker No caffeine consumption for at least 7 days prior to and during the study Willing and able to provide informed consent Able to complete the shuttle-run test as instructed
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosed with metabolic, cardiovascular, or inflammatory disease Regular caffeine use or caffeine withdrawal symptoms Use of alcohol, stimulants, or performance-enhancing substances during the study Known allergy or intolerance to chicory or coffee Participation in another clinical study within the last 30 days Any musculoskeletal or respiratory condition that prevents safe participation in exercise Inability to comply with the dietary or testing protocol
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Interleukin-6 (IL-6) | At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise | This outcome measures the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum samples collected after the shuttle run exercise protocol. IL-6 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to respond acutely to physical exertion and is used as a biomarker of systemic inflammation and exercise-induced stress. |
| This outcome measures blood lactate concentration in mmol/L to evaluate the metabolic response to shuttle run exercise. Capillary blood samples were taken from the fingertip at three time points: before, during, and immediately after exercise. | At baseline (immediately before exercise), mid-exercise, and immediately after exercise | lactate measurement |
| Venous Blood Glucose Level | At baseline (pre-exercise) and within 10 minutes post-exercise | This outcome measures venous blood glucose concentration (mg/dL) after completion of the shuttle run exercise protocol. Blood samples were collected from finger. Post-exercise glucose levels provide insight into glycemic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic response under fasting and exertional conditions. |
| Systolic and diastolic blood pressure | Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured immediately before and immediately after exercise | This outcome measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) to evaluate acute cardiovascular response to exercise. Measurements were taken at rest and immediately after the shuttle run using a digital sphygmomanometer. |
| Plasma Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) Level (ng/mL) | At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise | This outcome measures the concentration of plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in ng/mL after completion of the shuttle run exercise protocol. Blood samples were collected post-exercise, and serum was analyzed to determine LPL levels using ELISA-based methods. This parameter reflects lipid metabolism activity in response to acute exercise under fasting conditions. |
| Subjective Fatigue Score (Borg Scale) | Immediately after completion of the shuttle run exercise protocol | This outcome assesses perceived fatigue using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale immediately following the shuttle run exercise. Participants rated their level of physical exertion on a scale from 6 (no exertion at all) to 20 (maximal exertion). The Borg Scale is a validated tool for evaluating subjective fatigue and exercise intensity. |
| Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) | At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise | This outcome measures the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum samples collected after the shuttle run exercise protocol. TNF-α levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. TNF-α is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, and its elevation post-exercise is indicative of acute inflammatory response and immune system activation. |
| Adiponectin | At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise | This outcome measures the concentration of adiponectin in serum samples collected after the shuttle run exercise protocol. Serum adiponectin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory adipokine involved in glucose regulation and lipid metabolism, and its measurement provides insight into the metabolic response to acute exercise. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen saturation | At baseline (immediately before exercise), mid-exercise, and immediately after exercise | This outcome measures peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) using a fingertip pulse oximeter. Measurements were taken at three time points: before, during, and immediately after the shuttle run exercise protocol. SpO₂ reflects the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen and is used to assess cardiopulmonary dynamics in response to physical exertion. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed