Athletes, Healthy
Conditions
Keywords
Running, VO2max, Lactate, Oxygen Consumption
Brief summary
Algae, such as chlorella, are gaining popularity as a nutritious additive to whole food or as a supplement. They contain a variety of beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and amino acids, which can have positive effects on our health and possibly athletic performance. Chlorella, specifically, is a type of single-celled green algae that you can easily find in health stores worldwide. While there's some evidence suggesting that chlorella supplementation might improve submaximal and maximal performance for cyclists, it's unclear if it has the same impact on runners. To investigate this, the investigators aim to conduct a double-blind randomised placebo controlled study to see if taking chlorella daily for 3-weeks can enhance different aspects of running performance, both during low/moderate and intense exercise, among individuals who regularly engage in running.
Detailed description
After signing the consent form, we will invite you to come to the ISEH laboratory on Tottenham Court Road so we can take some basic baseline readings. This should last up to 60 minutes and will also include a V̇o2max Test (visit 1). After this, you will be randomly allocated either start on chlorella or placebo first. After supplementation (for visit 2 and 3) you will be required to perform a submaximal running test which will entail running at 60% GET (gas exchange threshold), 80% GET, and 75% of the change from peak. This will then be shortly followed by an incremental test to fatigue. You will then be required to undergo the exact same supplementation period on the alternative supplement with the same exercise test performed. You will be required to come into the laboratory a total of 3 times. Each visit should take roughly 1 - 1.5 hours.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTChlorella supplementation
Supplementation with chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo supplementation
Supplementation with placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Sponsors
University College, London
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 18-50. * Run regularly (3-4 times a week). * Train with a purpose to compete. * Consider running to be your main sport. * Be comfortable running continuously for over 30-minutes at moderate intensity. * Represent a local running club.
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals taking blood thinners. * Known allergies to algae/mould and iodine. * Any illness/conditions identified on PARQ (please see attached PARQ) * Taking immunosuppressant medication
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in the respiratory exchange ratio | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in the respiratory exchange ratio at 60% Gas Exchange threshold (GET), 80% GET, and 75% change as measured by a metabolic cart (Vyntus) |
| Changes in maximal oxygen uptake | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Changes in cardiovascular fitness variables as measured by a Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test following the submaximal run. |
| Changes in oxygen consumption and oxygen cost | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in oxygen consumption and oxygen cost (ml/kg/min) at 60% Gas Exchange threshold (GET), 80% GET, and 75% change as measured by a metabolic cart (Vyntus) |
| Changes in glucose | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in blood glucose at 60% Gas Exchange threshold (GET), 80% GET, and 75% change, at maximal oxygen uptake, and 15-mins post maximal as measured by the Biosen. |
| Changes in heart rate | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in heart rate (bpm) at 60% Gas Exchange threshold (GET), 80% GET, and 75% change as measured by a metabolic cart (Vyntus) |
| Changes in lactate | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in blood lactate at 60% Gas Exchange threshold (GET), 80% GET, and 75% change, at maximal oxygen uptake, and 15-mins post maximal as measured by the Biosen. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in nutritional status | Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo | Assessing the possible changes in nutritional status (macro and micronutrient intake) as measured by food recall. |
Countries
United Kingdom
Contacts
Primary ContactTom Gurney
Outcome results
None listed