Effects of oral menthol intake on peripheral thermoregulation and thermal sensation during cold-water hand immersion in young women

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of seven-day oral supplementation with menthol crystals on thermoregulatory responses in young Japanese women following cold-water hand immersion. Peripheral skin temperature, blood flow, and subjective thermal sensation were assessed. Menthol ingestion did not affect the recovery of skin temperature or blood flow at the fingers and wrists. However, skin temperature at the toes was significantly higher in the menthol group during cold exposure, indicating an enhanced peripheral thermal response in the distal regions. Subjective thermal sensation at the feet was also significantly higher in the menthol group than in the control group. These findings suggest that short-term menthol supplementation may have region-specific effects, helping to maintain warmth perception in the extremities. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified, menthol ingestion could potentially alleviate cold sensitivity in susceptible individuals.