Systematic Physical Exercise and Spirulina maxima Supplementation Improve Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Blood Lipid Profile: Correlations of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are part of the highly preventable chronic diseases associated with changes in lifestyle. Within them, physical activity, low-fat and high-fiber diets are distinguished as the main support for prevention, even when supplementation with nutraceuticals has become a very common practice. Fifty-two young sedentary men with excess body weight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg·m−2) were enrolled in a randomized-crossover controlled trial [six weeks of a systematic physical exercise with Spirulina maxima or placebo supplementation (4.5 g·day−1)]. Body composition, blood lipid profile, and maximal oxygen uptake were determined pre/post intervention. Pairwise comparisons showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) on blood lipid profile in the group of exercise plus Spirulina maxima. Moreover, correlations of absolute changes of BMI, body fat percentage, blood lipids and maximal oxygen uptake were statistically significant (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the Spirulina maxima supplementation could be acting in a synergistic way with exercise due to the enhanced effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipid profile. This phenomenon should be considered to reduce risk of cardiovascular disorders. Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT02837666 (July 19, 2016).

A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…When it was given in association with physical activity, the best outcome was achieved [ 216 ]. A similar study also showed that spirulina in association with physical activity can improve significantly cardiorespiratory fitness more than a single intervention alone [ 217 ]. A meta-analysis on the spirulina impact on plasma lipid concentration confirmed what was already known.…”

Involvement of Opioid System and TRPM8/TRPA1 Channels in the Antinociceptive Effect of Spirulina platensis

“…According to Henry [ 2 ], the idea around functional foods follows the oriental philosophy that established “medicine and food have a common origin” [ 2 ]. In this context, when associated with a balanced diet and physical activity, functional foods’ consumption could be linked to beneficial health effects [ 3 , 4 ]. It includes their ability to reduce heart disease risk, mitigate neurodegenerative diseases, and prevent metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Punto Óptimo Cardiorrespiratorio, Composicion Corporal Y Medidas Bioquímicas: Un Estudio Con Gemelos

“…Los estudios sobre la actividad física y el perfil metabólico muestran que el ejercicio físico regular puede resultar en una disminución de la concentración de colesterol total y triglicéridos y un aumento de HDL en individuos con dislipidemia (McKinney et al, 2016;Nassef, Nfor, Lee, Chou, & Liaw, 2019). Además, una dieta equilibrada asociada con el ejercicio mejoró la concentración de glucosa en la sangre en ayunas y la concentración general de lípidos (Hernández-Lepe et al, 2019;Kawano et al, 2009;McKinney et al, 2016;Ooi & Ridzuan, 2016). Estos estudios también señalan que la intensidad del ejercicio puede ser un factor importante para estas modificaciones (He & Wang, 2019;Wood, Murrell, van der Touw, & Smart, 2019).…”