title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Hung Kuang University, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: M-L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell Center, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Y-J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Stem Cell Center, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: F-C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Cheng
keywords: Mg2+; Nigari; concentrated deep seawater; retention number; treadmill exercise