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White H, Gurney T. Chlorella Supplementation Reduces Blood Lactate Concentration and Increases O 2 Pulse during Submaximal and Maximal Cycling in Young Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:697. [PMID: 38474825 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlorella supplementation is reported to improve V˙O2max following extended supplementation periods (~3 weeks). However, there is little research on its impact over submaximal exercise intensities and following shorter supplementation regimens. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 6 g/day 2-day chlorella supplementation on exercise performance in healthy young adults. Twenty young healthy adults (Males = 16, Females = 4) (Age 22 ± 6 years, V˙O2max 42.7 ± 9.6 mL/(kg·min)) were recruited for this double-blinded, randomised cross-over study. Participants ingested 6 g/day of chlorella or a placebo for 2 days, with a one-week washout period between trials. Exercise testing consisted of a 20 min submaximal cycle at 40% of their work rate max (WRmax) (watts), followed by an incremental V˙O2max test. Lactate (mmol/L), heart rate (b/min), oxygen consumption (mL/(kg·min)), O2 pulse (mL/beat), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and WRmax were compared across conditions. Following chlorella supplementation, blood lactate levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) during submaximal exercise (3.05 ± 0.92 mmol/L vs. 2.67 ± 0.79 mmol/L) and following V˙O2max tests (12.79 ± 2.61 mmol/L vs. 11.56 ± 3.43 mmol/L). The O2 pulse was significantly higher (p < 0.05) following chlorella supplementation during submaximal (12.6 ± 3.5 mL/beat vs. 13.1 ± 3.5 mL/beat) and maximal exercise intensity (16.7 ± 4.6 mL/beat vs. 17.2 ± 4.5 mL/beat). No differences existed between conditions for oxygen consumption, RER, V˙O2max, or WRmax. A total of 2 days of 6 g/day chlorella supplementation appears to lower the blood lactate response and increase O2 pulse during both submaximal and maximal intensity exercise but did not lead to any improvements in V˙O2max.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry White
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Tom Gurney
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
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Gurney T, Brouner J, Spendiff O. The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Multiple Indices of Cycling Performance. J Diet Suppl 2023; 21:99-115. [PMID: 36905653 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2186557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of chlorella supplementation on submaximal endurance, time trial performance, lactate threshold, and power indices during a repeated sprint performance test by fourteen male trained cyclists. Participants ingested 6 g/day of chlorella or placebo for 21-days in a double-blinded randomized counter-balanced cross-over design, with a fourteen-day washout period between trials. Each completed a 2-day testing period comprising a 1-hour submaximal endurance test at 55% external power output max and a 16.1 km time trial (Day-1), followed by a lactate threshold (Dmax) and repeated sprint performance tests (3 X 20 s sprints interspersed by 4-mins) (Day-2). Heart rate (b.min-1), RER, V̇O2 (ml·kg-1·min-1), lactate and glucose (mmol/L), time (secs), power output (W/kg), and hemoglobin (g/L) were compared across conditions. Following chlorella supplementation (chlorella vs. placebo for each measurement) average lactate and heart rate were significantly lower (p < 0.05) during submaximal endurance tests (1.68 ± 0.50 mmol/L vs. 1.91 ± 0.65 mmol/L & 138 ± 11b.min-1 vs. 144 ± 10b.min-1), average power and peak power (W/kg) were significantly higher during repeated sprint bouts (9.5 ± 0.7 W/kg vs. 9.0 ± 0.7 W/kg & 12.0 ± 1.2 W/kg vs. 11.4 ± 1.4 W/kg), hemoglobin significantly increased (149.1 ± 10.3 g/L) in comparison to placebo (143.4 ± 8.7 g/L) (p = 0.05). No differences existed between conditions for all oxygen consumption values, 16.1 km time trial measures and lactate threshold tests (p > 0.05). In conclusion, chlorella may pose as an additional supplement for cyclists to consider, particularly for those cyclists who want to improve their sprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Gurney
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, England
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, England
| | - James Brouner
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, England
| | - Owen Spendiff
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, England
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Sanayei M, Kalejahi P, Mahinkazemi M, Fathifar Z, Barzegar A. The effect of Chlorella vulgaris on obesity related metabolic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 19:833-842. [PMID: 33951762 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2021-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on metabolic parameters has been established in animal and human studies. However there is a gap for this results summary for a definite conclusion announce. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of CV on body weight, lipid profile, and blood glucose. CONTENT PRISMA guidelines were charted in this review. Subject search was performed in MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ISI web of sciences, Google scholar, Cochrane and Scopus databases for randomized clinical trials published in English languages, until December 2020, which assessed the effects of CV on metabolic syndrome related symptoms in clinical trials. SUMMARY Out of 4,821 records screened, after duplicate and irrelevant exclusion by title and abstract, 20 articles remained for full text screening. Finally a total of 12 articles met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed for study method and results. OUTLOOK The findings showed controversies in anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profile effects. CV may have beneficial effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders; however, collected studies lacked statistical power to reach a definite conclusion. More well-designed studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Sanayei
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parinaz Kalejahi
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mahinkazemi
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Fathifar
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Health Information Management, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Barzegar
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Gurney T, Spendiff O. Algae Supplementation for Exercise Performance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Spirulina and Chlorella. Front Nutr 2022; 9:865741. [PMID: 35321288 PMCID: PMC8937016 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.865741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional clinical trials have reported algae such as spirulina and chlorella to have the capability to improve cardiovascular risk factors, anemia, immune function, and arterial stiffness. With positive results being reported in clinical trials, researchers are investigating the potential for algae as an ergogenic aid for athletes. Initial studies found spirulina and chlorella supplementation to increase peak oxygen uptake and time to exhaustion, with the mechanistic focus on the antioxidant capabilities of both algae. However, a number of oxidative stress biomarkers reported in these studies are now considered to lack robustness and have consequently provided equivocal results. Considering the nutrient complexity and density of these commonly found edible algae, there is a need for research to widen the scope of investigation. Most recently algae supplementation has demonstrated ergogenic potential during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling, yet a confirmed primary mechanism behind these improvements is still unclear. In this paper we discuss current algae supplementation studies and purported effects on performance, critically examine the antioxidant and ergogenic differing perspectives, and outline future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Gurney
- *Correspondence: Tom Gurney, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-2490-2960
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Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Ergospirometric, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Amateur Soccer Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186885. [PMID: 32967151 PMCID: PMC7560093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the effects of Tetraselmis chuii (TC) microalgae supplementation during thirty days on ergospirometric, haematological and biochemical parameters in amateur soccer players. Thirty-two amateur soccer players divided into a control group (CG; n = 16; 22.36 ± 1.36 years; 68.36 ± 3.53 kg) and a supplemented group (SG; n = 16; 22.23 ± 2.19 years; 69.30 ± 5.56 kg) participated in the double-blind study. SG ingested 200 mg of the TC per day, while CG ingested 200 mg per day of lactose powder. Supplementation was carried out for thirty days. The participants performed a maximal treadmill test until exhaustion. The ergospirometric values at different ventilatory thresholds and haematological values were obtained after the test. Heart rate decreased after supplementation with TC (p < 0.05). Oxygen pulse, relative and absolute maximum oxygen consumption increased in SG (pre vs. post; 19.04 ± 2.53 vs. 22.08 ± 2.25; 53.56 ± 3.26 vs. 56.74 ± 3.43; 3.72 ± 0.35 vs. 3.99 ± 0.25; p < 0.05). Haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin increased in SG (pre vs. post; 15.12 ± 0.87 vs. 16.58 ± 0.74 p < 0.01; 28.03 ± 1.57 vs. 30.82 ± 1.21; p < 0.05). On the other hand, haematocrit and mean platelet volume decreased in SG (p < 0.05). TC supplementation elicited improvements in ergospirometric and haematological values in amateur soccer players. TC supplementation could be valuable for improving performance in amateur athletes.
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Horii N, Hasegawa N, Fujie S, Uchida M, Iemitsu K, Inoue K, Iemitsu M. Effect of combination of chlorella intake and aerobic exercise training on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic rats. Nutrition 2019; 63-64:45-50. [PMID: 30928787 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chlorella is a type of unicellular green algae that contains various nutrients. Habitual exercise and chlorella treatment can improve insulin resistance in obese or diabetic animal models. However, the additive effects of combined chlorella intake and aerobic exercise training remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a combination of chlorella intake and aerobic exercise training would produce greater effects on improving glycemic control in rats with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Twenty-wk-old male rats with type 2 diabetes (Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty [OLETF] rats) were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control, aerobic exercise training (treadmill running for 1 h, 25m/min, 5 d/wk), chlorella intake (0.5% chlorella powder in normal diet), or combination of aerobic exercise training and chlorella intake for 8 wk (n = 7 per group). RESULTS Chlorella intake and aerobic exercise training significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and total glucose area under the curve during the oral glucose tolerance test and increased the insulin sensitivity index concomitant with muscle phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) activity, protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation levels. Furthermore, a combination of chlorella intake and aerobic exercise training significantly further improved these effects compared with aerobic exercise training or chlorella intake alone. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that chlorella intake combined with aerobic exercise training had more pronounced effects on the improvement of glycemic control via further activation of muscle PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling in rats with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Horii
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuki Hasegawa
- Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shumpei Fujie
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi, Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masataka Uchida
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Keiko Iemitsu
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Inoue
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Iemitsu
- Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan.
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