Dihydrocapsiate

PhytochemicalCapsinoid

What is it

Dihydrocapsiate is a non-pungent capsaicin analog (a capsinoid) found in CH-19 Sweet pepper and produced commercially as an ingredient for thermogenic and weight-management supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Energy expenditure and fat oxidation

Good Evidence

Several short-term RCTs show small increases in resting metabolic rate and fat oxidation with capsinoids including dihydrocapsiate. Effects on body weight in real-world settings are modest.

How it works

Dihydrocapsiate activates TRPV1 receptors in the gut similarly to capsaicin but without the burning sensation. This activation can trigger sympathetic nervous system signaling, modestly raising energy expenditure and fat oxidation in some studies. Clinical trials of dihydrocapsiate (often as Capsiate or Capsiatra-branded ingredients) have shown small increases in resting energy expenditure and post-meal thermogenesis. Effects on body weight in longer trials have been small and inconsistent.

Dosage

Common research doses range from 3-9 mg total capsinoids per day. Higher doses have been used in short-term studies. Follow product label.

When and how to take it

Often taken before meals or before exercise to support thermogenesis. Specific timing recommendations vary by product.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dihydrocapsiate (synthetic or CH-19 Sweet-derived)

Used in capsule or softgel form, often labeled as capsinoids or Capsiate.

Absorbed orally; non-pungent

Safety

Considered well-tolerated. Because dihydrocapsiate is non-pungent, it does not cause the GI burning seen with high-dose capsaicin. Long-term human safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Limited data in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with sensitive stomachs may want to start at a low dose, although it is much milder than chili capsaicin.

Interactions

No well-established interactions at typical supplement doses.

Food sources

CH-19 Sweet pepper (non-pungent Capsicum)

Amount
small amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is dihydrocapsiate the same as capsaicin?⌄

It's a close relative but is non-pungent (doesn't burn). It activates similar receptors with much less heat.

Will dihydrocapsiate help me lose weight?⌄

Effects on body weight are small. It may give a modest thermogenic boost but is not a substitute for diet and exercise.

References

Dihydrocapsiate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dihydrocapsiate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dihydrocapsiate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.