Researchers from Italy evaluated the effects of twice-daily supplementation in a group of 20 male water polo players for eight weeks using subjective evaluations at baseline and again at the end of the study period. Results showed a positive correlation between spirulina supplementation and improved Athlete’s Subjective Performance Scale (ASPS) scores.
“A dietary supplement containing spirulina and copper may have beneficial effects on reducing muscle stress and improving subjective performance measures in water polo players,” the authors wrote in the journal Nutrients. “The findings of this clinical case series may contribute to the development of targeted nutritional strategies for athletes engaging in high-intensity sports."
Spirulina for athletes
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a nutrient-rich microalgae, has been noted for its high protein, essential amino acid, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content.
Research to date shows that spirulina may prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage and can increase glutathione levels and reduce lipid peroxidation from exercise. Phycocyanin, found in spirulina, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and dietary copper intake has been associated with improved athletic performance and recovery.
According to the authors, water polo provides a specific context to study the effects of such ingredients, as the sport has a unique set of physical demands, including extended submersion in water, frequent, intense sprints and a requirement for upper body strength and stamina.
They noted that while there has been a lot of research on the effects of nutritional supplements in land-based sports, research into the benefits for aquatic sports athletes is lacking.
Reduced muscle stress
Participants in the study were between the ages of 18 and 35, had a minimum of three years of competitive water polo experience and attended at least five training sessions a week.
They were split into two groups: half consumed a supplement containing 15 mL of a BluVis-branded spirulina liquid extract (titrated in Phycocyanin 1 mg/mL) with added copper 22.5% NRV twice daily for eight weeks, while the other half were assigned to a no-substance control group.
Subjective evaluations were completed using the ASPS, a 15-item survey designed to evaluate athletes' perceptions of their performance and experiences across various topics, such as general performance, sport-specific skills, motivation, recovery and mental focus.
Blood tests to measure creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, a biomarker for muscle stress and damage, were performed after a 12-hour overnight fast, coinciding with the baseline ASPS questionnaire, and post-intervention blood samples were collected after another 12-hour fast.
Results showed the spirulina group’s mean total ASPS score increased significantly from baseline to follow-up and was significantly better than that of the control group, while ASPS ratings in the placebo group slightly decreased.
Muscle injury marker CPK levels increased in both groups due to intense training, however the spirulina group exhibited slightly lower muscle stress.
The study concluded that the supplement shows promise for reducing muscle stress and enhancing performance but called for larger, randomized controlled trials to validate these findings across different sports and demographics, consider varying dosages and explore the combined effects of spirulina and copper.
Journal: Nutrients
doi: 10.3390/nu16152421
“Effects of a Dietary Microalgae (Arthrospira platensis) Supplement on Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Water Polo Players: A Clinical Case Series.”
Authors: Igazio La Mantia et al.