The Effects of Acute Chicory Coffee Consumption on Exercise Performance and Metabolism

NCT07094191 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2015-KAEK-79-23-03
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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

Conditions

Fat Metabolism; Sport Nutrition; Exercise Metabolism; Inflammation; Glucose Metabolism

Keywords

arabica coffee; chicory coffee; metabolism; Inflammation; Plant-based ergogenic aids

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (8)

• 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.

  lactate measurement

  At baseline (immediately before exercise), mid-exercise, and immediately after exercise

• Venous Blood Glucose Level

  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.

  At baseline (pre-exercise) and within 10 minutes post-exercise

• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure

  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.

  Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured immediately before and immediately after exercise

• Plasma Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) Level (ng/mL)

  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.

  At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

• Subjective Fatigue Score (Borg Scale)

  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.

  Immediately after completion of the shuttle run exercise protocol

• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)

  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.

  At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

• Adiponectin

  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.

  At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

• Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

  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.

  At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Oxygen saturation

  At baseline (immediately before exercise), mid-exercise, and immediately after exercise

Study Arms (3)

Chicory Coffee Arm

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm consumed a standardized dose of chicory coffee (180 mL), a caffeine-free beverage rich in polyphenols and inulin, 45 minutes prior to the shuttle-run test. This arm was designed to assess the effects of chicory coffee on metabolism, inflammation, and exercise performance.

Dietary Supplement: Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root)

Arabica Coffee Arm

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm consumed a standardized dose of arabica coffee (180 mL), a regular caffeinated coffee, 45 minutes prior to the shuttle-run test. This arm served as a comparison to evaluate how caffeine-containing coffee influences metabolic and performance-related parameters.

Dietary Supplement: arabica coffee

Control Arm

OTHER

CONTROL ARM

Dietary Supplement: no beverage control

Interventions

Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root) DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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.

Chicory Coffee Arm

arabica coffee DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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.

Arabica Coffee Arm

no beverage control DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

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.

Control Arm

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fatma Özsel Özcan: lead

Study Sites (1)

Halic University

Istanbul, 34, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (4)

• Saunders TJ, Palombella A, McGuire KA, Janiszewski PM, Despres JP, Ross R. Acute exercise increases adiponectin levels in abdominally obese men. J Nutr Metab. 2012;2012:148729. doi: 10.1155/2012/148729. Epub 2012 May 30.

  PMID: 22701167 BACKGROUND

• Yamashita K, Yatsuya H, Muramatsu T, Toyoshima H, Murohara T, Tamakoshi K. Association of coffee consumption with serum adiponectin, leptin, inflammation and metabolic markers in Japanese workers: a cross-sectional study. Nutr Diabetes. 2012 Apr 2;2(4):e33. doi: 10.1038/nutd.2012.6.

  PMID: 23169586 BACKGROUND

• Diaz-Lara FJ, Del Coso J, Garcia JM, Portillo LJ, Areces F, Abian-Vicen J. Caffeine improves muscular performance in elite Brazilian Jiu-jitsu athletes. Eur J Sport Sci. 2016 Nov;16(8):1079-86. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2016.1143036. Epub 2016 Feb 10.

  PMID: 26863885 BACKGROUND

• Bonnema AL, Kolberg LW, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Gastrointestinal tolerance of chicory inulin products. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Jun;110(6):865-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.03.025.

  PMID: 20497775 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Inflammation

Interventions

METAL1 protein, Coffea arabica

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 21, 2025
• First Posted: July 30, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: May 18, 2025
• Study Completion: June 16, 2025
• Last Updated: July 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)