Algae Supplementation for Exercise Performance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Spirulina and Chlorella

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.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spirulina in exercise and sport: A systematic review

“…Lipid peroxidation is still a valuable marker of exercise-induced macromolecule damage ( 44 ), however, considering that most MDA is generated by the assay itself (i.e., artificial lipid peroxidation), two or more indices are usually required to confirm lipid damage ( 45 ). Furthermore, the TBARS and TAC assays are no longer recommended for assessing lipid peroxidation ( 46 ) and should be discontinued as strongly advised by many experts ( 31 , 46 ). In addition, elevated levels of GSH/GSSG, which are often used as a marker of oxidative stress after exercise, have also been reported due to methodological errors ( 47 ).…”

“…Although it is clear that SP has a wide range of components capable of free radical scavenging in vitro , there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the antioxidant benefits of SP supplementation in athletes or people engaged in exercise in general ( 31 ).…”

“…In particular, some authors have demonstrated that SP supplementation may enhance oxidative capacity ( 8 ) and significantly increase Hb during submaximal exercise ( 41 , 42 ). To the best of our knowledge, SP has exclusively been investigated in male athletes and, considering the high prevalence of anemia in female athletes, future studies should involve female participants, as recently highlighted by Gurney and Spendiff ( 31 ).…”

“…The potential effects of SP supplementation on performance, immunity, exercise-induced muscle damage, and recovery in athletes have not been considered in the recommendations published so far ( 25 – 29 ). Only Braakhaius et al and Gurney et al discussed the impact of SP supplementation on athletic performance, focusing on its antioxidant and ergogenic properties ( 30 , 31 ).…”

Effect of Spirulina Nigrita® Supplementation on Indices of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage after Eccentric Protocol of Upper Limbs in Apparently Healthy Volunteers

“…Spirulina, a blue-green microalgae, has garnered attention due to its potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as phycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins (beta-carotene, vitamin B12, and vitamin E), minerals, and pigments which contribute to its antioxidant capacity [ 13 ]. Moreover, spirulina has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating inflammatory pathways, increasing the activity of NK cells, and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) [ 14 , 15 ].…”