Abstract

We evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with a full-spectrum microalgae extract on upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and psychological mood state. Thirty-two male (15) and female (17) runners consumed AstaPure® Arava a whole algae supplement Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae) containing 8 mg of Astaxanthin or a placebo daily during a 4-week supplementation period (3 weeks before and 1 week following a marathon or half-marathon competition). We collected subjective and objective measures before and after supplementation. Subjects completed the profile of mood state (POMS) psychological assessment and a health log questionnaire assessing health status and URTCs (subjective measures), as well as provided saliva samples and fecal samples for measurement of cortisol and microbiome balance, respectively (objective measures). Subjects in the microalgae supplement group reported significantly fewer URTCs and better overall well-being, as well as lower cortisol and superior microbiome indices, compared to placebo. These results suggest that microalgae concentrate may improve immune system vigilance and overall well-being following the stress of endurance training and competition, possibly via improvements in the microbiome and Gut-Immune-Brain-Axis.

Keywords: AstaPure^® Arava; Astaxanthin; Immune Function; Microbiome; Gut-Immune-Brain-Axis

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