Paprika: The Ultimate Workout Fuel? Episode 1258 Sep 2025

A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cognitive function in 21 healthy college students. Participants took a supplement containing 9 mg of PX daily for one month and were compared against a control condition (no intake). The study found significant improvements in physical endurance for the PX group, including higher exercise efficiency during both incremental (p=0.004) and constant load tests (p=0.030). Heart rate was also significantly lower during both the incremental test (p=0.032) and the constant load test (p=0.020). While there were no significant differences between the groups on cognitive tests, the PX group alone showed significant internal improvements in scores on the Trail Making Test Type B (p=0.034) and the Stroop test interference rate I (p=0.040). The authors speculate these benefits may be due to improved oxygen delivery efficiency.

Disclaimers:
"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of healthy college students and was predominantly male (18 males, 3 females). The authors note the results should be interpreted with caution and may not be generalizable to other populations."
"This study did not use a placebo control group, which is a methodological limitation."
"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
"This Channel does not provide medical advice."
#PaprikaXanthophyll #EndurancePerformance #CognitiveFunction #ExerciseEfficiency #OxygenDelivery
Kim D, Wadazumi T. Effects of Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Endurance and Cognitive Function in College Students: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(17):2780. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172780
Paprika xanthophylls, capsanthin, capsorubin, endurance performance, cognitive function, exercise efficiency, oxygen delivery efficiency, DO2, red blood cell deformability, heart rate during exercise, college students, crossover randomized controlled trial, Stroop test, Trail Making Test, ventilatory threshold, VT, gross efficiency, antioxidant supplements, sports nutrition, ergogenic aids, brain oxygenation, executive function, neurocognitive function, microcirculation, athletic performance