Deep Ocean Minerals Improve Blood Flow and Exercise Recovery in New Study

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A study published December 12, 2017, in the journal Frontiers in Physiology found that Deep Ocean Minerals (DOM)-a preparation extracted from desalinated minerals and trace elements collected in seawater approximately 200 meters below the earth’s surface-can improve both cerebral hemodynamic response during exercise and recovery afterward.

“Vascular function naturally deteriorates during the normal aging process, and is also impacted by oxidative stress,” commented Michael Chernyak, president, CK Nutraceuticals (Oakville, Ontario), which distributes DOM in North America, in a press statement. “While previous research has consistently demonstrated that DOM supplementation supports vascular function, muscle performance, and exercise recovery, this new study helps to further substantiate DOM supplementation for sports nutrition applications.”

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, titled “Deep Ocean Mineral Supplementation Enhances the Cerebral Hemodynamic Response during Exercise and Decreases Inflammation Postexercise in Men at Two Age Levels,” involved men aged 21 to 48 who were given either DOM or a placebo via beverage before, during and after 15 minutes of high-intensity cycling. Researchers monitored blood flow to the brain using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and the significant increases in cerebral hemodynamic response observed suggest that DOM has “great promise” for improving blood flow to the brain and supporting post-exercise recovery, especially in middle-aged men, the statement noted.

The DOM used in the study is manufactured by Pacific Deep Ocean Biotech (PDOB; Taipei, Taiwan) using a proprietary, patented process the company developed. The DOM contains more than 70 minerals and trace elements and has applications in sports nutrition, RTD beverages, functional foods, meal replacement powders, mix-in powders, and dietary supplements.