Hypoxia occurs in the splanchnic region during exercise associated with sympathetic activity. In the elderly, vascular insufficiency and low vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression are observed. Compared to young people, sympathetic signals of older individuals are blunted and more resistant to splanchnic blood flow alterations during exercise. VEGF induces vasodilation responses and hence may retain blood in the splanchnic vascular bed. We hypothesized that regular mild-intensity exercise triggers weak VEGF expression in the digestive tract of the elderly. The effects of exercise on the levels of VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the stomach, jejunum, ileum and colon tissues were evaluated. With exercise, the VEGF levels in the stomach and colon increased. Although the SOD, GPx, and MDA levels decreased in the HIGHLIGHTS Low vascular endothelial growth factor expression is observed in the elderly. Exercise leads to hypoxia in the splanchnic region. Mild intensity exercise induces vascular endothelial growth factor in the elderly. In older subjects, mild intensity exercise increases antioxidant capacity in the stomach. Hypoxic involvement due to exercise is more pronounced in the large intestine compared to other parts of the digestive tract. Insert 1-4 highlights no longer than 85 characters. Insert a highlight no longer than 85 characters. Insert a highlight no longer than 85 characters.• Insert a highlight no longer than 85 characters. Hosgorler, F.; et al.