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Chlorella increases the effect of interval training
If athletes use a few grams of Chlorella every day, their workouts may result in a greater increase in endurance than if those same athletes would not use Chlorella. A Japanese animal study, which sports scientists from Ritsumeikan University published in the American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, suggests this.
Study
The researchers divided a group of rats into 4 groups. During the 6 weeks that the experiment lasted, the reserachers did nothing to a first group of rats. That was the control group. [Con]
A second group was given Chlorella. [CH] If the rats had been adult humans, they would have used 3 grams of Chlorella daily. The researchers used material from Sun Chlorella. Sun Chlorella sponsored the study.
The researchers trained a third group of test animals. [HIIE] Four days a week they let the rats swim with a weight attached to their tail. Each session consisted of 14 bouts of 20 seconds. Between the sets the animals rested for 10 seconds.
The researchers trained a fourth group of rats, and gave them Chlorella as well.
Results
At the end of the supplementation period, the researchers had the rats make short and intensive swimming bouts until exhaustion. Supplementation with Chlorella increased the number of bouts, but training increased this number even more. However, the combination of training and supplementation produced the best results.
After the test, the researchers measured the concentration of lactic acid in the rats' blood. Chlorella suppletion and training inhibited the increase of this concentration, you see above.
This is probably because Chlorella supplementation and training increased the production of monocarboxylate transporter 1 and -4 [MCT1] [MCT4] in the red muscle fibers - the type 1 muscle fibers involved in endurance efforts. MCT1 and MCT4 enable cells to transport lactic acid out & into the cells. These transporters play a crucial role in the conversion of lactic acid into glucose.
Both Chlorella and training also stimulated activity enzymes such as citrate synthase, cytochrome oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase and COX. These enzymes play a role in lactic acid metabolism. In addition, chlorella supplementation and training also increased the activity of the signal molecule PGC1-alpha in the muscle cells. That molecule allows cells to produce more mitochondria. Mitochondria transform nutrients into energy.
Conclusion
"Thus, Chlorella could be a beneficial supplement for even vigorously trained athletes, as well as habitually exercising individuals, and those with metabolic disorders", the researchers summarize. "The findings of this study reveal a great potential for the utilization of Chlorella."
Source:
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2017 Apr 1;312(4):R520-8.
More:
Chlorella boosts immune system during heavy physical exercise 27.11.2017
Chlorella supplement boosts maximal oxygen uptake 07.01.2015
Chlorella makes blood vessels supple 15.03.2014
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