Algae Supplement "Energizes" Sprint Workouts for Enhanced Effects

What if an easy add-on could turbo-charge your workouts for faster results?

Researchers tested whether combining an algae supplement with sprint interval workouts could enhance fat burning and exercise benefits beyond either treatment alone.

The study enrolled 46 overweight and obese women who were previously inactive. Participants were split into 4 equal groups and given either A) a green algae supplement called chlorella vulgaris (CV) plus high-intensity interval training (HIIT), B) a placebo supplement plus HIIT, C) just the CV supplement, or D) a placebo alone.

HIIT workouts involve short yet intense bursts of exercise with periods of rest^[1]. This training stresses the body more profoundly than continuous moderate activity and promotes greater fitness gains^[2].

The CV supplement provides nutrients that may stimulate growth of mitochondria^[3], the "power plants" in cells that generate energy from food and oxygen. Boosting mitochondria numbers through this supplementary biogenesis process can enhance metabolism and endurance^[4].

After 8 weeks, the researchers found that pairing CV supplements with HIIT workouts promoted significantly greater loss of body fat mass compared to placebo alone. Additionally, fitness gains were amplified, suggesting an interactive effect between the two treatments.

Markers of mitochondrial biogenesis also increased more in the combo group^[5], indicating this dual regimen more potently optimized the body's capacity to harvest and utilize energy.

To learn more about the research on chlorella, visit our database on the subject here.