Essential Fatty Acids Increase Blood Flow to Muscles During Exercise

Exercise is rejuvenating and life-extending. The ability to get a good response to exercise depends on a variety of factors, with a net result of improved oxygen utilization. Essential fatty acids, especially DHA, are health promoting substances. A new study shows that essential fatty acids enhance blood flow to muscles¹ during exercise.

This is an animal study which afforded the ability to directly measure many muscle fibers in response to exercise. The researchers documented a decrease in vascular resistance that enabled blood to flow better to muscles, thus increasing oxygenation of muscle. In addition to blood flow improvement within the circulatory system, the researchers also demonstrated that cardiac output was improved, meaning the heart was more fit.

These results show essential fatty acids contribute to a positive result from exercise, while simultaneously improving the fitness of the heart and entire circulatory system. This is a great example of combining nutrition with a healthy activity and getting even a better response to the healthy activity.