Effects Of Paraxanthine + ATP On Fat Oxidation And Cycling Performance In Physically Active Adults

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a combined supplement of 200 mg Paraxanthine and 400 mg ATP (PX + ATP) on rates of fat oxidation during exercise and cycling time trial (TT) performance. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 15 healthy, physically active participants (11 males, 4 females; age: 31 ± 7 yrs; height: 173.9 ± 8.9 cm; weight: 80.6 ± 9.4 kg) completed two separate visits, ingesting either PX + ATP or a placebo (PLA) 30 min prior to exercise. Each visit involved a 45-min bout of cycling exercise at 60% VO2Peak with gas exchange measurements taken in 5 min intervals to assess energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Immediately following the exercise bout, participants completed a time trial (TT) on a cycle ergometer where maximum distance was covered in 15 minutes. Visual analog scales (VAS) for subjective energy and fatigue, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed at baseline, 15-min post-supplementation, immediately post-TT, and 60 min post-TT. RESULTS: A significant G x T interaction (p = 0.033) was observed, and within PX + ATP fat oxidation (g/min) increased at the following timepoints: 20 min: 1.63 ± 0.74, p = 0.031; 30 min: 1.82 ± 0.70, p = 0.007; 40 min; 1.93 ± 0.75 (p = 0.007) compared to baseline (1.16 ± 0.74). However no between-group differences were observed. TT performance was similar between groups (PLA: 11,109 ± 2,403 meters vs. PX + ATP: 10,759 ± 3,648, p = 0.551). RPE and VAS measures for energy and fatigue showed no significant effects of PX + ATP. CONCLUSION: PX + ATP supplementation increased fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise while PLA did not. While total fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and TT performance were similar to placebo, these findings suggest that PX + ATP may support initial metabolic responses during exercise, indicating potential for further exploration of its benefits in exercise performance and metabolic efficiency. Supported by: Ingenious Ingredients, Lewisville, TX