Mr Tom Gurney

Research project: Investigating the metabolic, physiological, and functional effects from the supplementation of microalgae on exercise performance

Abstract

Competitive athletes are continuously looking to enhance performance via the use of various emerging ergogenic dietary supplements. Recently, there has been a widespread unremitting trend and interest in the functional food benefits of freshwater micro algae. This interest has predominantly surfaced from substantial amount of investigations primarily focused on the potential health benefits derived from supplementation. At present, the understanding of the ergogenic capabilities of algae are equivocal. The multicomponent species boasts a vast array of vitamins, minerals and proteins and thus pinpointing the exact mechanisms of action behind any ergogenic effects are difficult to ascertain.  

To date, negligible research has been conducted on trained athletes implementing the supplementation of algae and whether it may have a profound effect on exercise performance. This project intends to develop and contribute into the novel area of algae supplementation for exercise performance.