AthletesNCT06479993
The Influence of Chlorella Supplementation on Running Performance
A study testing Chlorella supplementation in people with Athletes and Healthy, run by University College, London at 1 site in United Kingdom.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- What is being tested?
- Chlorella supplementation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Kingdom
- Study dates
- 5 Jan 2024to Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18-50.
- Run regularly (3-4 times a week).
- Train with a purpose to compete.
- Consider running to be your main sport.
- Be comfortable running continuously for over 30-minutes at moderate intensity.
- Represent a local running club.
Who cannot join
- Individuals taking blood thinners.
- Known allergies to algae/mould and iodine.
- Any illness/conditions identified on PARQ (please see attached PARQ)
- Taking immunosuppressant medication
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Kingdom1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University Colllege London (ISEH)
London, W1T 7HA
Tom Gurney, t.gurney@ucl.ac.uk
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Being tested
- Chlorella supplementation, Placebo supplementation
- Keywords
- Running, VO2max, Lactate, Oxygen Consumption
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Chlorella supplementationDietary supplement
Supplementation with chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks)
Placebo supplementationDietary supplement
Supplementation with placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (6g/day for 3-weeks)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorella supplementation | Experimental | Supplementation of chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks) Receives: Dietary Supplement: Chlorella supplementation |
| Placebo supplementation | Placebo comparator | Supplementation of placebo (6g/day for 3-weeks) Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplementation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in maximal oxygen uptake
Changes in cardiovascular fitness variables as measured by a Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test following the submaximal run.
Measured: 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)
Measured: 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)
Measured: 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)
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Secondary outcomes (1)
Changes in nutritional status
Assessing the possible changes in nutritional status (macro and micronutrient intake) as measured by food recall.
Measured: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jun 2024
- Study start5 Jan 2024
- Primary completionMay 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AthletesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University College, LondonThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University College, London
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Tom Gurney, Principal investigator, University College, London
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06479993
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 21745/002.1
- Status last verified
- Feb 2024
- First submitted
- 2 Feb 2024
- Last updated
- 28 Jun 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jun 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Influence of Chlorella Supplementation on Running Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06479993
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 21745/002.1
- Keywords
- Running, VO2max, Lactate, Oxygen Consumption
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University College, LondonUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- May 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorella supplementation | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Chlorella supplementationSupplementation of chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks) |
| Placebo supplementation | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplementationSupplementation of placebo (6g/day for 3-weeks) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 18-50.
- Run regularly (3-4 times a week).
- Train with a purpose to compete.
- Consider running to be your main sport.
- Be comfortable running continuously for over 30-minutes at moderate intensity.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals taking blood thinners.
- Known allergies to algae/mould and iodine.
- Any illness/conditions identified on PARQ (please see attached PARQ)
- Taking immunosuppressant medication
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorella supplementationSupplementation with chlorella (6g/day for 3-weeks) | Dietary supplement | Chlorella supplementation |
| Placebo supplementationSupplementation with placebo - microcrystalline cellulose (6g/day for 3-weeks) | Dietary supplement | Placebo supplementation |
Primary outcome
Changes in maximal oxygen uptake
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Changes in cardiovascular fitness variables as measured by a Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test following the submaximal run.
Changes in oxygen consumption and oxygen cost
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
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)
Changes in the respiratory exchange ratio
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
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)
Changes in heart rate
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
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)
Changes in lactate
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
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.
Changes in glucose
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
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.
1 secondary outcome
Changes in nutritional status
Time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Jun 2024.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Tom Gurney principal investigator
University College, London
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Chlorella supplementation in people with Athletes and Healthy, run by University College, London at 1 site in United Kingdom.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jun 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tom Gurney (020 3447 2800, t.gurney@ucl.ac.uk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in maximal oxygen uptake (time frame: Following each 3-week supplementation period of either chlorella or placebo). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jun 2024.