Lithothamnion Species on Blood Lactate During Exhaustive Exercise in Trained Cyclists

Effect of Red Algae Lithothamnion on Blood Lactate Response During Exhaustive Exercise in Trained Cyclists: A Randomized Control Trial

Deep ocean mineral water has been shown to improve exercise phenotypes in human and animal models. However, there is yet to be an investigation of Algae species such as Lithothamnion that absorb and concentrate these minerals. Therefore, the AAP trial will investigate the effect of water soluble Lithothamnion species on exhaustive exercise-induced blood lactate accumulation, recovery and power output in trained cyclists.

The potential for naturally derived combinations of marine minerals to improve exercise performance is growing throughout the scientific literature and has physiologically plausible mechanisms, likely through the diverse molecular and enzymatic actions of individual (or combinations of) minerals (such as Calcium and Magnesium).

Despite the biological potential, there is little consciences whether mineral supplementation can improving markers of, and exercise performance. One recent investigation of deep ocean mineral water (high in marine minerals) showed that when consumed prior to exercise, blood lactate response improved with hyperthermal running and is supported in animal models - however, this is not supported elsewhere in humans. Nonetheless, others have shown, in human models, that deep ocean mineral water may improve exercise recovery, aerobic exercise performance, improve lower leg power output and hydration status compared to either placebo or sports drink. Furthermore, animal models support these plausibilities with improved mitochondrial biogenesis, biomolecules of exercises performance, cardiovascular hemodynamics, inflammatory cytokine responses to exercise and overall exercise adaptation.

As ocean minerals are absorbed by marine organisms, Algae species such as Lithothamnion have higher concentrations of the same ocean minerals but structured differently at the nano scale and thus may have the potential to be more effective at improving exercise phenotypes. Therefore, the proposed exploratory RCT will investigate the effects of water soluble Lithothamnion species on exhaustive exercise-induced lactate accumulation, recovery and power output in trained cyclists, compared to a placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male trained cyclist.
• Cycling for the purpose of exercise training (i.e. not cycling for transport) at least 100km per week for the last 6 months
• VȮ2peak that is greater than 50 ml˙kg˙ml-1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any muscle disorder
• Serious medical co-morbidities
• Thyroid dysfunction or specific allergies
• Contraindications to dependent variables
• Currently participation in another research study
• Currently not talking other nutrition supplements