Source : EC Nutrition 17.8 (2022): 19-28.

Objective : We evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with a full-spectrum microalgae extract on upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and psychological mood state.

Methods : 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).

Conclusion : 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.