Spirulina and high-intensity training combination found to reduce obesity-related health complications in men, new study reveals

In a recent study published in Nutrients, researchers explored the effects of combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with spirulina supplements to mitigate cardiometabolic disease risk and control obesity-related adipokine release.

Study: Spirulina Supplementation with High-Intensity Interval Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity. Image Credit: pilipphoto/Shutterstock.com

Background

Obesity is a public health problem, impacting several physiological systems and leading to various disorders. The condition is associated with metabolic issues and oxidative stress that impair cellular and tissue function.

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Conclusion

Overall, the study findings showed that combining six grams daily of spirulina supplements with HIIT for 12 weeks promoted cardiometabolic health by lowering adipokine levels, improving body weight and BMI, and improving lipid profiles. The combination reduced serum IL-6 and 8, semaphorin3c, MCP-1, LDL, TGL, TC, TNF-α, and CRP levels while increasing HDL and enhanced VO_2peak while reducing BMI.

Further studies could include females and examine heart rate, blood pressure, fat percentage, and metabolic equivalents to improve the generalizability of the study findings.