NCT07094191

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

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

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 22 (actual)
• Sponsor: Fatma Özsel Özcan · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Conditions

• Fat Metabolism
• Sport Nutrition
• Exercise Metabolism
• Inflammation
• Glucose Metabolism

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Chicory 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_SUPPLEMENT	arabica 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_SUPPLEMENT	no 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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-05-18
• Completion: 2025-06-16
• First posted: 2025-07-30
• Last updated: 2025-07-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)