The simultaneous effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation and high intensity interval training on IL-6 serum levels reduction and insulin resistance on overweight men

Considering the role of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in increasing the performance and improving body inflammation status, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of HIIT program and Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on the IL-6 and insulin resistance in overweight men.

Thirty subjects in this study (22.8 ± 1.2 yrs.; 27.1 ± 9.66 BMI) were randomly assigned into three groups (10 N each group), Before and 48 hours after the end of 6 weeks of HIIT training, blood samples were taken from subjects and used for interleukin-6, insulin, and glucose serum levels measurements. The participants' training program included 6 weeks of intensive HIIT program with 90% Vo2max intensity. Subjects of the supplement group received Chlorella vulgaris supplementation (300 mg) for six weeks. The data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA and significance level (p <0.05) was used for all data analyses.

The results showed that Chlorella vulgaris supplemented with HIIT exercises significantly decreased IL-6 compared to other groups (P=0.041). Insulin resistance index showed significant changes compared with the three groups (P=0.011). Body composition results showed a decrease in body fat (P=0.009) and an increase in aerobic fitness (P=0.016) of subjects in the supplement + HIIT group compared to the other groups.

Chlorella vulgaris consumption with six weeks of HIIT program reduced IL-6 and improve insulin resistance in overweight men.