Training Health Recovery and Improvement Via Levagen+® Evaluation

Summary

INTRODUCTION:

Sports supplements and ergogenic aids are widely used for performance enhancement in recreational and professional sports. Athletes undergo intense training to improve their cardiorespiratory and muscular systems, aiming for positive adaptations. However, intensified training without appropriate dietary support can pose risks such as inadequate muscle recovery, weakened immune function, and reduced sleep quality, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and heightened physiological and psychological stress. The recent removal of cannabidiol (CBD) from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list has increased its popularity among athletes for its potential benefits on recovery and sleep. However, concerns about its safety and legality in sport persist, leading many governing bodies to caution against its use.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) supplement, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and supports joint health. It also shows potential for stress and anxiety management, with ongoing research demonstrating this. Levagen+®, a formulated PEA, offers a safe, legal alternative to CBD, showing promise for recovery and sleep improvements. Additionally, PEA demonstrates neuroprotective and immunomodulating properties, indicating the potential benefits for athlete health, performance, and recovery. However, further research is needed to confirm Levagen+®'s efficacy as an ergogenic aid, especially in endurance sports.

The aim of this trial is to explore the effects of Levagen+® supplementation on physical, physiological and psychological recovery during a prolonged period (one week) of intensified cycling training, when administered over a period of 45 days.

Conditions

• Exercise Recovery

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Levagen+® Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Participants were instructed to consume 1 opaque capsule (350 mg Levagen+®, not less than 300mg PEA) with water daily at the same time of the day for 45 days.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

Participants were instructed to consume 1 opaque capsule (Microcrystalline Cellulose) with water daily at the same time of the day for 45 days.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Anglia Ruskin University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Westminster

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, PhD · University of Westminster

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-03-10

Primary Completion

2026-03-31

Completion

2026-04-30

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations