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Algae Supplementation for Exercise Performance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Spirulina and
1School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|March 24, 2022
Summary
Spirulina and chlorella algae show potential as ergogenic aids for athletes, improving performance metrics. Further research is needed to confirm mechanisms beyond antioxidant effects for athletic enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science and sports medicine, focusing on the physiological effects of algae supplementation.
Background:
- Algae like spirulina and chlorella have demonstrated potential in improving cardiovascular health, anemia, and immune function.
- Emerging research explores algae as an ergogenic aid for athletes, with initial studies suggesting benefits for oxygen uptake and endurance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review current literature on algae supplementation and its effects on athletic performance.
- To examine the proposed antioxidant and ergogenic mechanisms of algae, addressing conflicting results.
- To identify future research directions for understanding algae's role in sports performance.
Main Methods:
- Review and critical analysis of existing nutritional clinical trials and scientific studies on algae supplementation.
- Examination of data related to oxidative stress biomarkers and ergogenic effects.
- Discussion of recent findings on submaximal and repeated sprint cycling performance.
Main Results:
- Initial studies indicated improvements in peak oxygen uptake and time to exhaustion, often attributed to antioxidant properties.
- Some oxidative stress biomarkers used previously are now questioned, leading to equivocal results.
- Recent evidence suggests ergogenic potential in submaximal and repeated sprint cycling, but the primary mechanism remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Algae supplementation, particularly spirulina and chlorella, shows promise as an ergogenic aid for athletes.
- The precise mechanisms underlying performance enhancement require further investigation, moving beyond solely antioxidant effects.
- Future research should explore the complex nutritional profile of algae to fully understand its ergogenic potential.
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