Bioactivity of Macronutrients from Chlorella in Physical Exercise

• Published in: Nutrients 2023-04, Vol.15 (9), p.2168
• Main Authors: Lorenzo, Karenia, Santocildes, Garoa, Torrella, Joan Ramon, Magalhães, José, Pagès, Teresa, Viscor, Ginés, Torres, Josep Lluís, Ramos-Romero, Sara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Amino Acids, Essential; Animal feed; Animals; Athletes; Biological activity; Blood pressure; Body fat; Body weight; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide fixation; Carotenoids; Cell membranes; Chlorella; Chronic illnesses; Diabetes; Dietary fiber; Dietary Fiber - pharmacology; Exercise; fatty acid; Feeds; fiber; Fluidity; Food additives; Growth factors; Hypertension; Inflammation; Intestinal microflora; Linoleic acid; Linolenic acid; Lipids; Liver diseases; Mammals; Meals; Muscles; Muscular fatigue; Musculoskeletal system; Nitrogen; Nutrients; Nutrition; Peptides; physical activity; Physical exercise; Physical fitness; Polysaccharides; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; protein; Protein sources; Proteins; Rapamycin; Review; Rigidity; Saccharides; Satiety; Skeletal muscle; TOR protein
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu15092168

is a marine microalga rich in proteins and containing all the essential amino acids. also contains fiber and other polysaccharides, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The proportion of the different macronutrients in can be modulated by altering the conditions in which it is cultured. The bioactivities of these macronutrients make a good candidate food to include in regular diets or as the basis of dietary supplements in exercise-related nutrition both for recreational exercisers and professional athletes. This paper reviews current knowledge of the effects of the macronutrients in on physical exercise, specifically their impact on performance and recovery. In general, consuming improves both anaerobic and aerobic exercise performance as well as physical stamina and reduces fatigue. These effects seem to be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activity of all its macronutrients, while each component of contributes its bioactivity via a specific action. is an excellent dietary source of high-quality protein in the context of physical exercise, as dietary proteins increase satiety, activation of the anabolic mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) pathway in skeletal muscle, and the thermic effects of meals. proteins also increase intramuscular free amino acid levels and enhance the ability of the muscles to utilize them during exercise. Fiber from increases the diversity of the gut microbiota, which helps control body weight and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve physical performance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from contribute to endothelial protection and modulate the fluidity and rigidity of cell membranes, which may improve performance. Ultimately, in contrast to several other nutritional sources, the use of to provide high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and bioactive fatty acids may also significantly contribute to a sustainable world through the fixation of carbon dioxide and a reduction of the amount of land used to produce animal feed.