The Interactive Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Supplementation of Blue-Algae (Spirulina) on Anthropometric Indexes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Diabetic Men

Herbal supplements blue-green algae (Spirulina) is one of the richest sources of protein. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of aerobic training with the supplementation of Spirulina on anthropometric factors and cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients.

Thirty two men with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had sedentary lifestyles were randomly divided into four groups: Control (C), Exercise (AT), Supplement (S), and Exercise with Supplement (AT + S). The Exercise group program included 45 minutes of aerobic exercise, three sessions per week with a maximum heart rate of 60-65%. Groups (S) and (AT + S) took two tablets of 500 mg of Spirulina per day. Blood samples were taken before and after eight weeks after 10-12 hours of fasting overnight to measure the cardiovascular risk factors. Also, bioelectrical impedance method was used to evaluate anthropometric indexes.

After eight weeks of aerobic training and supplementation, TG, LDL, weight, BMI, and body fat percentage decreased significantly in groups (AT, S, AT + S) (P≤ 0.05)while in group (C) these changes were not significant. Also, in groups (AT and AT + S), the level of total cholesterol and WHR decreased whereas HDL showed a significant increase. In groups (S and C) these three indexes did not change significantly (P≤0.05).

Aerobic exercise along with Spirulina supplementation can be an effective factor for preventing and improving the metabolic syndrome indicators in people with diabetes. Through having a desirable effect on anthropometric indexes and cardiovascular risk factors