Effect of Chlorelladerived multicomponent supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake and serum Vitamin B2 concentration in young men

Abstract

Chlorella is a unicellular green alga that contains high levels of proteins, vitamins and minerals. The present study investigated the effects of a 4week Chlorelladerived multicomponent supple mentation on maximal oxygen uptake and circulating vitamin B2 levels in healthy men. Thirtyfour participants were randomly divided into two groups: placebo or Chlorella. Prior to the inter vention, we observed that the intake of several minerals and soluble vitamins did not satisfy the nutrient requirements of either group by assessing the frequency of daily food intake. There was a significant negative relationship between the pre intervention maximal oxygen uptake and serum vitamin B2 con centrations in all subjects (r = -0.372). Maximal oxygen uptake significantly increased after Chlorella supplementation (before vs after, 42.1 ± 1.5 vs 44.9 ± 1.6 ml/kg/min), while serum vitamin B2 concentrations did not (14.6 ± 0.9 vs 14.0 ± 0.9 µg/L). In conclusion, Chlorelladerived multicomponent supplementation increases maximal oxygen uptake in individuals with an insufficient micro nutrient status, although there was no association between the increase in aerobic capacity and serum levels of vitamin B2.