The effect of dietary supplements on core temperature and sweating responses in hot environmental conditions: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Abstract

Dietary supplements are widely used among individuals exposed to hot environments, but whether their consumption confers any thermoregulatory effect is unclear. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation on key aspects of thermoregulation [core temperature (T_core) and sweating responses] in the heat. Three databases were searched in April 2024. After screening, 124 peer-reviewed articles were identified for inclusion within three separate meta-analyses: 1) peak T_core; 2) whole body sweat rate (WBSR); 3) local sweat rate (LSR). The moderating effect of several variables (e.g., training and heat acclimation status), known to influence thermoregulatory function, were assessed via subanalysis and meta-regression. There was no overall effect of the differing supplement types on WBSR (P = 0.405) and LSR (P = 0.769), despite taurine significantly increasing WBSR (n = 3, Hedges' g = 0.79, P = 0.006). Peak T_core was significantly affected by supplement type (P = 0.011), primarily due to caffeine's "small" significant positive effect (n = 30; Hedges' g = 0.44, P < 0.001) and taurine's (n = 3, Hedges' g = -0.66, P = 0.043) and oligonol's (n = 3; Hedges' g = -0.50, P = 0.014) "medium" significant negative effects. Dietary supplements, such as amino acids (e.g., taurine), some antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (e.g., oligonol) conferred the greatest thermoregulatory benefits during heat exposure. Taurine ingestion in such conditions may lower heat strain, which is likely through its augmentation of thermal sweating. Conversely, caffeine intake may potentially pose the greatest risk in the heat due to its effect on T_core.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The effects of dietary supplements on core temperature and sweating responses when ingested in the heat varied greatly. Some supplements demonstrated the potential to improve thermoregulatory capacity (e.g., select amino acids, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories), while others had no or even deleterious effects on thermal balance (e.g., caffeine). These findings have implications for those ingesting dietary supplements for their health and/or performance effects during exposure to hot environmental conditions. Certain supplements should possibly be avoided in the heat, while others may elicit a thermoregulatory benefit.

Keywords: core temperature; dietary supplements; heat; sweating; thermoregulation.