During physical exertion, the brain must be supplied with sufficient blood and oxygen in order to maintain performance, coordination and muscle control. With increasing age, however, this regulation decreases, which can lead to faster fatigue.
This study investigated whether minerals and trace elements from the deep sea can improve blood flow to the brain during exercise and at the same time reduce inflammatory reactions after exercise.
Young and middle-aged men completed strenuous cycling. Before, during and after the exercise, they were given either a drink containing deep sea minerals or a comparable placebo.
The result: with deep sea minerals, the blood supply to the brain was significantly better during exercise, especially in the middle-aged participants. At the same time, there was less of an inflammatory reaction after training, which indicates a faster and gentler recovery.
The physical performance itself remained comparable, but the study makes it clear that deep-sea minerals primarily have protective and stabilizing effects on the brain and blood vessels.
Conclusion: Deep sea minerals can support the body during exercise by improving blood flow to the brain and attenuating inflammatory stress reactions after exercise – particularly relevant for middle-aged people.
Background
The regulation of blood flow in the brain is a key factor in physical performance. During exercise, the brain’s energy requirements increase as it controls muscle activation and coordination. At the same time, vascular function decreases with age, which can restrict the supply of blood to the brain under stress.
Minerals and trace elements from the deep sea differ significantly from seawater near the surface. In addition to classic minerals, they contain a large number of biologically active trace elements that are preserved in the deep sea due to the lack of solar radiation and low biological activity.
Previous studies have already shown positive effects on muscle strength, vascular function and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these minerals on cerebral blood flow during exercise and on inflammatory processes after exercise.
Study design
The study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Young and middle-aged healthy men took part.
The test subjects were given either a drink containing deep sea minerals or a placebo with an identical taste. The drink was taken before, during and after an intensive cycling session. Cerebral blood flow was recorded during exercise using a non-invasive measurement method, and inflammatory markers in the blood were also determined after training.
Central results
Improved blood flow to the brain during exercise
The intake of deep sea minerals led to a significantly stronger blood flow to the frontal brain area during exercise. This effect was particularly pronounced in middle-aged men, suggesting that age-related restrictions in vascular function can be partially compensated for.
Reduced inflammatory reaction after training
Systemic inflammation in the body normally increases after intense exercise. In this study, this reaction was significantly weakened in the participants who received deep sea minerals – especially in the middle-aged test subjects.
No overstimulation of the metabolism
Important metabolic parameters such as lactate, blood sugar and heart rate did not differ between the groups. This shows that the effect of the deep sea minerals is not due to an artificial increase in performance, but to physiological support of vascular and cell functions.
Possible mechanisms of action
The authors attribute the effects primarily to the trace elements in the deep-sea mineral profile. Elements such as magnesium, lithium, boron and rubidium are associated with:
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Vascular regulation and blood circulation
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neuronal activity and signal transmission
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antioxidant cell protection
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Attenuation of inflammatory processes
This combination could strengthen the so-called “central control” of muscle work by providing the brain with a better supply during exercise.
Significance and classification
The study shows that deep sea minerals do not primarily increase endurance performance itself, but improve the body’s resilience. This can be particularly important for people in middle age:
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Better load tolerance
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Reduced inflammatory reactions
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Potentially faster recovery
Conclusion
Minerals and trace elements from the deep sea improve blood flow to the brain during physical exertion and reduce inflammatory reactions after exercise. The effects are particularly pronounced in middle-aged men and indicate a protective, regulating effect on vascular and brain function.
The results underline the potential of deep sea minerals as functional support for regeneration, vascular health and age-related performance stability.