Using spirulina to help recover from exercise-induced muscle damage

Spirulina Supplementation In Recovery From Damaging Exercise

Not applicable Interventional University of Exeter · NCT06391957

This study tests if taking spirulina can help healthy young adults recover faster and feel less sore after tough workouts.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Exeter Academic / other
Locations1 site (Exeter)
Trial IDNCT06391957 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of spirulina supplementation on recovery from muscle damage caused by intense exercise. Participants will take either spirulina or a placebo while engaging in eccentric exercises, and the study will measure changes in muscle function, soreness, and inflammation markers. The goal is to determine if spirulina can enhance recovery and reduce muscle soreness after strenuous physical activity. The study targets healthy individuals aged 18 to 40 who engage in regular exercise but do not participate in structured resistance training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 40 who exercise regularly but do not engage in structured resistance training.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range, have a BMI outside the specified limits, or engage in regular resistance training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a nutritional strategy to enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for nutritional strategies in exercise recovery, but the specific use of spirulina is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Are available and willing to attend St Luke's Campus, Exeter
* Age 18 - 40
* BMI 18.5 - 30 kg/m2
* The participant exercises / plays sport for \> 2 h/week, but doesn't do structured resistance strength training
* Self-reported as healthy (absence of injury or disease)
* Have no known food allergy to algae
* Are not taking any over the counter or prescribed medication that might interfere with study, e.g. anti-inflammatory medication
* Non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are unable to attend St Luke's Campus, Exeter
* Are out-with age range 18 - 40
* BMI below 18.5 or above 30 kg/m2
* The participant does not exercise
* The participant does regular structured resistance strength training
* Known injury or disease that might influence study outcomes
* Have a known food allergy to algae
* Are taking over the counter or prescribed medication that might interfere with study, e.g. anti-inflammatory medication
* Smoker

Where this trial is running

Exeter

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Damage Musclespirulinaexercise recovery
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.