Effects of a Dietary Microalgae () Supplement on Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Water Polo Players: A Clinical Case Series.

Plain Language Summary

Dietary supplementation has become a popular strategy among athletes to enhance physical performance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate recovery. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a blue-green microalga, has gained attention due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties. The primary aim was to investigate the impact of the spirulina and copper supplement on stress, well-being, and performance in water polo players. This study was a clinical case series involving 20 male water polo players. The participants were divided into two groups: one group received the spirulina supplement, while the other group received a placebo. Results showed that the spirulina group showed a significant increase in their Athlete’s Subjective Performance Scale (ASPS) scores from baseline to follow-up, compared to the placebo group, which saw a slight decrease. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between spirulina supplementation and reduced severity of ASPS scores. However, the levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), a biomarker for muscle damage, showed only slight differences from baseline to follow-up in the spirulina group. The authors concluded that a dietary supplement containing spirulina and copper may improve subjective performance measures and reduce muscular tension in water polo players. However, larger, randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.