Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Endurance (lack of)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spirulina has been investigated for its potential to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue, primarily due to its high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as phycocyanin. Several small-scale human and animal studies suggest that spirulina supplementation may improve exercise performance and reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology (2010) found that male participants who consumed spirulina (6 grams per day for 4 weeks) demonstrated increased time to fatigue during submaximal exercise and lower levels of oxidative damage compared to the placebo group. Animal studies have also shown that spirulina can increase endurance capacity, possibly by enhancing fat oxidation and reducing muscle damage. However, the overall quality and quantity of the scientific evidence is limited. Most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and sometimes lack rigorous controls. Additionally, results are not always consistent across studies, and the mechanisms by which spirulina may enhance endurance are not fully understood. While spirulina is traditionally consumed for general wellness in some cultures, its specific use for endurance improvement is not deeply rooted in traditional medicine but rather in modern nutritional science. Therefore, while there is some scientific support for spirulina’s use to support endurance, the evidence is currently modest and more robust, large-scale studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

More about spirulina
More about Endurance (lack of)