Nigari (Deep Seawater Concentrate) Enhances the Treadmill Exercise Performance of Gerbils

Abstract

The beneficial effect of magnesium supplementation on exercise performance has been reported by many researchers. In the present study, the effect of nigari, a concentrate of deep seawater containing high magnesium levels, on exercise performance, was examined. Gerbils were given double-distilled water or nigari (18 mg · kg−1, po) orally 30 min before exercise. All animals were subjected to forced exercise on a treadmill for 90 min at three successive speeds of 10, 15, and 20 m · min−1. The retention numbers were recorded. The retention numbers were 85.0 ± 21.0, 46.0 ± 9.7, and 48.0 ± 14.2 in the control group, and 44.0 ± 10.9, 23.0 ± 8.4, and 13.0 ± 4.8 in the nigari-treated group at the three speeds, respectively. The retention numbers were significantly reduced at higher speeds (by 50% at 15 and 73% at 20 m · min−1, respectively) in the nigari-treated group when compared to those of the control group, respectively. Thus, nigari administration appeared to reduce retention numbers and enhance exercise performance in gerbils.

The impact of post-exercise hydration with deep-ocean mineral water on rehydration and exercise performance

“…While it is clear that dehydration due to physical exertion such as exercise impairs thermoregulation, endurance and exercise performance, proper rehydrating strategies to counteract these effects have yet to be clearly elucidated. Studies regarding the use of deep-ocean mineral water as a potential alternative to rehydration with water or high-carbohydrate high-electrolyte sports drinks are limited with only two studies (one animal [ 14 ] and one human [ 5 ]) reported in the literature. Our findings from this study support the utility of Kona as an essential part of a rehydrating strategy to optimize exercise performance over mountain spring water or carbohydrate-based sports drinks.…”

Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance?

“…For example, moderate exercise may decrease the glucose concentration while increasing the levels of lactate [ 31 ], which results in decreased efficiency of working muscle [ 32 ]. A number of studies have been conducted in animal models (e.g., rats and gerbils) to investigate the effects of Mg supplementation on the change of glucose and lactate in brain, blood, and muscle in response to exercise [ 18 , 26 , 27 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] ( Table 2 ). All animals followed the protocols of forced exercise that mimicked the physical training in humans [ 27 ].…”

“…In sum, animal studies suggest that Mg supplementation can improve exercise performance via regulating the concentration of glucose and lactate in the brain, muscle, and in circulation [ 18 , 26 , 27 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Higher availability of Mg will increase glucose levels in both the central nervous and peripheral systems during exercise [ 18 , 26 , 27 , 32 ].…”

Effects of seawater ingestion on lactate response to exercise in runners

“…The interest in smaller samples of dedicated fluid for exercising athletes seems to be justified. One new source enhancing performance or recovery could be ocean or sea mineral water [ 11 – 14 ]. It was found that ingestion of deep mineral water could accelerate recovery of aerobic capacity and leg muscle power compared with ingestion of water alone [ 12 ].…”