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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07094191

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

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

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Key information

Conditions

Fat Metabolism Exercise Metabolism Glucose Metabolism Inflammation Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sport Nutrition

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Halic University

Istanbul, 34, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

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.

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.

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. 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.

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

    lactate measurement

  2. Venous Blood Glucose Level

    Time frame: 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.

  3. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Plasma Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) Level (ng/mL)

    Time frame: 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.

  5. Subjective Fatigue Score (Borg Scale)

    Time frame: 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.

  6. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)

    Time frame: 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.

  7. Adiponectin

    Time frame: 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.

  8. Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

    Time frame: 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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Oxygen saturation

    Time frame: 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Fatma Özsel Özcan

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Acute Effects of Caffeine-Free Chicory and Arabica Coffee on Inflammatory and Metabolic Responses to Exercise in Healthy Men: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 30, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 30, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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