The Claim
In recreationally active adults undergoing 4 weeks of cycling training, daily supplementation with 200 mg of (–)-epicatechin is associated with no improvement in relative peak oxygen uptake (VO2), while placebo supplementation is associated with significant increases, suggesting that (–)-epicatechin may interfere with aerobic fitness adaptations.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
If you're a regular exerciser doing cycling, taking a supplement called (–)-epicatechin every day might actually stop you from getting fitter, while people taking a fake pill (placebo) do get fitter over 4 weeks.
See the scientific wording
In recreationally active adults performing 4 weeks of cycling training, daily supplementation with 200 mg of (–)-epicatechin is associated with a lack of improvement in relative peak oxygen uptake (VO2), whereas placebo supplementation is linked to significant increases, suggesting (–)-epicatechin may interfere with aerobic fitness adaptations.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: (–)-Epicatechin Supplementation Inhibits Aerobic Adaptations to Cycling Exercise in Humans
The study found that people who took (–)-epicatechin while cycling for 4 weeks didn’t improve their aerobic fitness, but those who took a placebo did. This matches the claim.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.