An interventional study of Chlorella supplementation and Placebo supplementation in Athletes and Healthy, sponsored by University College, London. Status unknown at 1 site in United Kingdom. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-06-28.
Sponsored by University College, London · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
University College, London is the lead sponsor of 648 studies on the registry; 146 are open to participants now.
Of its 6 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 2 (33%) have results posted.
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Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Supplementation of chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Dietary Supplement: Chlorella supplementation
Supplementation of placebo (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplementation
Supplementation with chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Supplementation with placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Changes in maximal oxygen uptake
Changes in cardiovascular fitness variables as measured by a Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test following the submaximal run.
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in oxygen consumption and oxygen cost
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)
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in the respiratory exchange ratio
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)
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in heart rate
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)
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in lactate
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.
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in glucose
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.
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in nutritional status
Assessing the possible changes in nutritional status (macro and micronutrient intake) as measured by food recall.
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Plan to share: No
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This study is status unknown, as verified in Feb 2024. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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