The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training with Physical Fitness Course Using Royal Jelly Supplementation on Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged Men

Introduction: Royal jelly contains large amounts of phenolic compounds from the flavonoid family, which can improve the lipid profile with exercise. This study aimed to study the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) using royal jelly consumption on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in overweight and obese middle-aged men. Methods: This study was conducted on 60 middle-aged men, who were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control + Placebo, 2) training, 3) royal jelly supplementation, and 4) training + royal jelly supplementation. The subjects of training and training + royal jelly supplementation groups performed the training protocol. The HIIT protocol was implemented for eight weeks with high intensity of 85-95% of the maximum heart rate, and active rest periods included 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. The participants in the royal jelly supplementation groups received a 1000 mg capsule once a day. The SPSS software version 22, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were utilized to perform intergroup data analysis, and a dependent sample t-test was used to carry out intra-group data analysis at a significance level as much as P≤0.05. Results: LDL, TC, and TG serum levels were reduced and HDL was increased in HIIT training, consumption of royal jelly, and training + royal jelly supplementation in overweight and obese middle-aged men (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, HIIT combined with royal jelly supplementation could improve lipid profile in obese or overweight people prone to cardiovascular disease and various types of diabetes.