AzTrials
AzTrials

Fat MetabolismNCT07094191

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

A study testing Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root) and arabica coffee in people with Fat Metabolism and Sport Nutrition, run by Fatma Özsel Özcan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial 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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root) and arabica coffee
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
22 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Jan 2024to 16 Jun 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 25 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • 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

Who cannot join

  • 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

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Halic University

    Istanbul, 34

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official 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

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?

Read more

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

Read the 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.

Being tested
Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root), arabica coffee, no beverage control
Keywords
arabica coffee, chicory coffee, metabolism, Inflammation, Plant-based ergogenic aids
Medical subject headings
Inflammation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • 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 coffeeDietary 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 controlDietary 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.

Study groups in NCT07094191
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Chicory Coffee ArmActive comparatorParticipants 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.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root)
Arabica Coffee ArmActive comparatorParticipants 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.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: arabica coffee
Control ArmOtherCONTROL ARM
Receives: Dietary Supplement: no beverage control

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  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.

    lactate measurement

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

  2. 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.

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

  3. 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.

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

  4. 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.

    Measured: At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

  5. 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.

    Measured: Immediately after completion of the shuttle run exercise protocol

  6. 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.

    Measured: At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

  7. 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.

    Measured: At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

  8. 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.

    Measured: At baseline and within 10 minutes post-exercise

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Oxygen saturation

    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.

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

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Jul 2025
  2. Study start1 Jan 2024
  3. Primary completion18 May 2025
  4. Study completion16 Jun 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
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.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
22 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07094191
Sponsor's protocol ID
2015-KAEK-79-23-03
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
21 Jul 2025
Last updated
30 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The individual participant data (IPD) collected in this study will not be made available to other researchers due to ethical considerations, limited scope of consent, and privacy protection of participants.

Publications

  • 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.

    PubMed 22701167
  • 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.

    PubMed 23169586
  • 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.

    PubMed 26863885
  • 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.

    PubMed 20497775

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Chicory Coffee (Caffeine-free, polyphenol-rich beverage from roasted chicory root) and arabica coffee in people with Fat Metabolism and Sport Nutrition, run by Fatma Özsel Özcan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

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). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07094191, which also lists 4 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jul 2025.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in