Combined high-intensity interval training and spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity.
Delfan M, Negin Zeidi H, et al. • Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) • 2026
Combining 12-week HIIT and Spirulina supplementation demonstrates superior efficacy than either intervention alone for targeting lipid- and inflammation-associated markers in men with obesity.
Key Findings
Results
IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) plasma concentrations increased in the BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups, with the most pronounced changes in the combined HIIT+BA group.
64 men with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), aged 20–35 years, were randomly allocated to four groups: control placebo (CP), blue-algae (BA), HIIT+placebo (HIIT+P), or HIIT+blue-algae (HIIT+BA).
IL-10 elevations were statistically significant in BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups (P < .05).
The combined HIIT+BA group showed the most pronounced increase in IL-10 concentrations.
The control placebo group did not show significant changes.
Results
IL-1β (pro-inflammatory) plasma concentrations were reduced in the BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups after the 12-week intervention.
Reductions in IL-1β were observed in all active intervention groups (BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA) (P < .05).
The most pronounced reductions were observed in the HIIT+BA group.
The control placebo group did not show significant changes in IL-1β.
The intervention consisted of 3 weekly HIIT sessions and/or daily intake of 6 grams of capsulated Spirulina for 12 weeks.
Results
ApoM plasma concentrations were elevated in the BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups following the 12-week intervention.
ApoM increases were statistically significant in BA, HIIT+P, and HIIT+BA groups (P < .05).
The most pronounced elevation in ApoM was observed in the HIIT+BA group.
ApoM is a lipid-associated signaling element assessed as a biomarker of lipid metabolism in obesity.
No significant change was observed in the control placebo group.
Results
S1P plasma concentrations increased significantly in the HIIT+P and HIIT+BA groups, but not in the BA group alone.
S1P concentration increased in the HIIT+P group (P = .03) and the HIIT+BA group (P = .003).
The BA-only group did not show a significant increase in S1P, suggesting that exercise (HIIT) was the primary driver of S1P changes.
S1P is a lipid-associated signaling molecule examined alongside ApoM.
The HIIT+BA group showed a more statistically significant increase (P = .003) compared to HIIT+P (P = .03).
Results
Dectin-1 plasma concentrations decreased post-intervention only in the HIIT+BA combined group.
A statistically significant decrease in Dectin-1 was found exclusively in the HIIT+BA group (P = .03).
Neither the BA alone nor the HIIT+P alone groups showed significant reductions in Dectin-1.
This finding indicates a synergistic effect of combining HIIT and Spirulina supplementation specifically for Dectin-1 reduction.
Dectin-1 is described as a pro-inflammatory factor assessed in the study.
Methods
The study enrolled 64 men with obesity and implemented a 12-week protocol of HIIT (three sessions per week) and/or 6 grams per day of capsulated Spirulina.
Participants had BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and were aged 20–35 years.
Four groups were used: control placebo (CP), blue-algae (BA), HIIT+placebo (HIIT+P), and HIIT+blue-algae (HIIT+BA).
Assessments included plasma biomarkers (Dectin-1, IL-1β, IL-10, ApoM, S1P), anthropometric measurements, cardiorespiratory assessments, and lipid profiles at baseline and after 12 weeks.
The Spirulina dose was 6 grams daily in capsule form.
Delfan M, Negin Zeidi H, Kashani F, Zeynali F, Juybari R, Rahimpour M, et al.. (2026). Combined high-intensity interval training and spirulina supplementation synergistically improve inflammatory and lipid-associated biomarkers in men with obesity.. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2026.02.003