Clinical trial NCT06479993: The Influence of Chlorella Supplementation on Running Performance
Official title: The Influence of Chlorella Supplementation on Running Performance
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Athletes
Healthy
Keywords: Running
VO2max
Lactate
Oxygen Consumption
Lead sponsor: University College, London
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-06-28
Enrollment: 20
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 50
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: CROSSOVER
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

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.

Eligibility criteria: 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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Changes in maximal oxygen uptake
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
measure: Changes in oxygen consumption and oxygen cost
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
measure: Changes in the respiratory exchange ratio
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
measure: Changes in heart rate
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
measure: Changes in lactate
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
measure: Changes in glucose
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Changes in nutritional status
timeFrame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: London
country: United Kingdom
facility: University Colllege London (ISEH)
Study officials:
affiliation: University College, London
name: Tom Gurney
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: