The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Health and Performance Following a 12-week Training Programme

The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Health and Performance Following a 12-week Training Programme

The Efficacy of Chlorella Supplementation on Health and Performance Following a 12-week Training Programme

Algae are an emerging functional food source that are gaining traction and popularity in biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biotechnology industries. They are a diverse and complex species that comprise an abundant breadth of micronutrients (multiple vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids) that can possibly promote human health. One such popular algae is chlorella, a unicellular dark green organism, which can be readily bought in health stores worldwide. Although there is some promising data to suggest chlorella supplementation can alleviate cardiovascular risk factors and improve VO2max from supplementation alone, an area which has particularly limited existing literature is the possible ergogenic and health influence of chlorella supplementation combined with a controlled training programme in sedentary and overweight populations. Given that such populations are susceptible to increased risk of developing associated diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension) and possess poor diets, there is a need to investigate the possible synergistic effect of a training programme and supplementation of algae further. Furthermore, there is growing evidence to suggest that supplementation with algae may have a beneficial effect on cognitive function, primarily owed to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study aims to assess the efficacy of chlorella supplementation on VO2max, blood lipid profiles, cognitive function and body composition following a 12-week training programme. Briefly, in a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, participants will be randomly allocated into 1 of 4 groups (A. Exercise + Chlorella, B. Exercise + Placebo, C. Control + Chlorella, D. Control + Placebo).

Supplementation with Placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (1.5 g/d) with a physical exercise program for 12 weeks

Supplementation with Placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (1.5 g/d) only for 12 weeks. No exercise programme

Participants will be asked to complete a 12 week cycling training programme. This will consist of 4 X 50 min sessions per week. Each exercise session will include a warm-up phase (~ 5 min), a main physical conditioning phase (~ 40 min), and a cool-down phase (~ 5 min).

Assessing changes in blood lipids (Triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, High-density lipoprotein)

Assessing changes in simple reaction time (m/s & number of errors) using the Gorilla Experiment Builder on a laptop.

Assessing changes in inhibition (m/s & number of errors) using the Gorilla Experiment Builder on a laptop.

Assessing changes in endogenous and exogenous attending (m/s & number of errors) using the Gorilla Experiment Builder on a laptop.

Assessing changes in source and context memory (m/s & number of errors) using the Gorilla Experiment Builder on a laptop. spatial anticipation

Assessing changes in spatial anticipation (m/s & number of errors) using the Gorilla Experiment Builder on a laptop.

Assessing changes in body composition variables using the Tanita. Weight (kg) and height (cm) will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2.

Assessing changes in body fat mass (Body Fat mass %) and lean mass in percentage (Lean mass %) using the Tanita.

Assessing changes in blood pressure (mmHg). Systolic and diastolic, using the ABP-Monitor Mobil-O-Graph NG

Assessing changes in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (before exercise at rest and 30-mins post peak exercise)

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18-50 Classified a sedentary (<30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise for <3 days per week for 3 months) and/or overweight (BMI = 25 +) Be willing to complete a 12-week training programme Exclusion Criteria: Individuals taking blood thinners. Known allergies to algae/mould and iodine. Taking immunosuppressant medication Regularly ingesting algae Smokers