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Spirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake in arm cycling exercise
1School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, London, KT1 2EE, UK. T.Gurney@kingston.ac.uk.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|September 6, 2020
Summary
Spirulina supplementation improved hemoglobin levels and enhanced oxygen uptake during arm cycling exercise. This suggests spirulina may benefit endurance performance by improving oxygen utilization efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Spirulina is known to enhance high-intensity exercise performance and hemoglobin levels.
- The effects of spirulina on arm cycling exercise remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of spirulina supplementation on hemoglobin levels.
- To assess the effects of spirulina on oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR) during seated arm cycling exercise.
Main Methods:
- A double-blinded, randomized crossover study involving eleven untrained males.
- Participants ingested 6g/day of spirulina or placebo for seven days, followed by a seven-day washout period.
- Exercise testing included V̇O2max, submaximal arm cycling at 55% V̇O2max, and an incremental test to fatigue.
Main Results:
- Spirulina significantly increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels compared to placebo.
- During submaximal exercise, spirulina supplementation led to significantly lower oxygen uptake and HR.
- Spirulina significantly increased oxygen uptake at the point of fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Spirulina supplementation effectively increases hemoglobin levels.
- Spirulina reduces oxygen uptake and heart rate during submaximal arm cycling, indicating improved efficiency.
- This improved efficiency allows for greater oxygen uptake during maximal exertion, potentially enhancing endurance capacity.
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