The Claim
In recreationally active adults undergoing 4 weeks of cycling training, daily supplementation with 200 mg of (–)-epicatechin is associated with no increase in skeletal muscle succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) content, whereas placebo supplementation is linked to a significant rise in SDH, suggesting that (–)-epicatechin may interfere with mitochondrial adaptation induced by exercise training.
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 200 mg of a compound called epicatechin every day might stop your muscles from building up a key energy-related protein that usually goes up with training—while people on a fake pill actually see an increase.
See the scientific wording
In recreationally active adults undergoing 4 weeks of cycling training, 200 mg/day of (–)-epicatechin is associated with no increase in skeletal muscle succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) content, while placebo supplementation is linked to a significant rise, indicating a potential interference with mitochondrial adaptation.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: (–)-Epicatechin Supplementation Inhibits Aerobic Adaptations to Cycling Exercise in Humans
The study found that people taking (–)-epicatechin didn’t improve their muscle’s energy-producing enzymes after cycling training, while those on placebo did—just like the claim says.
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.