Evidence supporting the use of: Menthol
For the health condition: Exercise
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Menthol has been studied for its potential benefits in exercise, primarily due to its cooling sensation and effects on thermoregulation. Research indicates that menthol, when applied topically or used as an oral rinse, can create a perception of coolness by activating TRPM8 receptors in the skin and oral mucosa. This sensation can reduce perceived exertion, increase comfort, and potentially improve exercise performance, especially in hot and humid environments.
Several studies have demonstrated that athletes who use menthol mouth rinses or sprays during endurance exercise in the heat experience improved thermal comfort and, in some cases, modest improvements in performance such as time to exhaustion or distance covered. The mechanism is thought to be related more to altered perception and comfort rather than actual changes in core body temperature or physiological cooling. Thus, menthol does not physically cool the body but may help athletes tolerate heat stress better, which can be performance-enhancing in specific contexts.
However, evidence is not universal, and some studies report no significant benefit. Most research has focused on endurance sports and heat stress; there is little evidence for menthol’s effectiveness in other exercise contexts. Overall, the scientific support is moderate, with meta-analyses and reviews recognizing potential benefits but also noting variability in individual responses and potential safety considerations, especially in extreme heat.
Other ingredients used for Exercise
Acetyl L-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beta-alanine
branched-chain amino acids
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
endo-peptidase
fructose
ginseng
L-Alanyl-L-glutamine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protease
protein
spirulina
succinic acid
vitamin B12
zinc
capsicum
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Alpha polylactate
Arginine Creatine
Arachidonic Acid
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Arginine pyroglutamate
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bovine Protein
BCAA
Chia seed
Creatyl-L-glutamine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dextrose
Dipeptide
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Fatty acids
Glutamine
Growth factors
Higenamine
Ketone Salts
Lysophosphatidic acid
Phosphatidic Acid
Other health conditions supported by Menthol
Abdominal PainAllergies (respiratory)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dermatitis
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Exercise