Lithothamnion Species on Blood Lactate During Exhaustive Exercise in Trained Cyclists

The potential for naturally derived combinations of marine minerals to improve exercise performance is growing throughout the scientific literature and has physiologically plausible mechanisms, likely through the diverse molecular and enzymatic actions of individual (or combinations of) minerals (such as Calcium and Magnesium). Despite the biological potential, there is little consciences whether mineral supplementation can improving markers of, and exercise performance. One recent investigation of deep ocean mineral water (high in marine minerals) showed that when consumed prior to exercise, blood lactate response improved with hyperthermal running and is supported in animal models - however, this is not supported elsewhere in humans. Nonetheless, others have shown, in human models, that deep ocean mineral water may improve exercise recovery, aerobic exercise performance, improve lower leg power output and hydration status compared to either placebo or sports drink. Furthermore, animal models support these plausibilities with improved mitochondrial biogenesis, biomolecules of exercises performance, cardiovascular hemodynamics, inflammatory cytokine responses to exercise and overall exercise adaptation. As ocean minerals are absorbed by marine organisms, Algae species such as Lithothamnion have higher concentrations of the same ocean minerals but structured differently at the nano scale and thus may have the potential to be more effective at improving exercise phenotypes. Therefore, the proposed exploratory RCT will investigate the effects of water soluble Lithothamnion species on exhaustive exercise-induced lactate accumulation, recovery and power output in trained cyclists, compared to a placebo.