Oxygen drives some of the most efficient means of producing energy in the body. Your needs will vary depending upon your activity and other conditions that may cause increases in demands. Every cell of the body requires energy to exist and carry out basic life functions. Energy production is a complex web of chemical reactions. Diet can play an important role in ensuring proper nutritional support for delivering oxygen to the heart and consequently to the rest of the body. As with any dietary supplement, consult your doctor before you beginning taking them, especially if you have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition or cardiovascular disease risk factors.
L-Arginine
While supplements cannot make oxygen, they can improve the ability of the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to the heart. L-arginine works by providing the necessary raw materials for the body to convert it to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide improves oxygen delivery to the heart by causing the blood vessels to dilate and improve blood flow. L-arginine also has anti-coagulant properties to help prevent platelets from forming clots for better blood flow. Drugs.com advises consulting your doctor before taking L-arginine if you are on cholesterol-lowering drugs or insulin because of possible harmful drug interactions.
Magnesium
Magnesium serves several functions in the body by playing a role in over 300 chemical reactions. It can improve oxygen delivery to the heart by relaxing the smooth muscles that line the airways. It can prevent bronchospasms or asthma attacks that compromise the body's ability to take in oxygen. Medical evidence has revealed compelling evidence for its use. A 2010 study by Bastyr University in Washington found that adults receiving a 340 mg daily dose of magnesium showed improvement in bronchial or airway function.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring chemical found in many foods and produced by the human body. It works on several fronts to improve oxygen flow to the heart. It can help prevent plaque formation that can restrict blood flow. A 2007 study by the University of Mississippi reviewed several dietary supplements and their effect on blood pressure. Researchers concluded that coenzyme Q10 reduced triglycerides levels and improved HDL or good cholesterol. The effects of these actions is improved blood flow and a reduction in blood pressure.
Fish Oil
Like L-arginine, fish oil can help improve blood flow and consequently oxygen delivery to the heart by making platelets less sticky and likely to clot. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports the health claims yielded by scientific research that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Plaque formation within blood vessels reduces blood flow and increases the risk of a life-threatening blood clot. Herein lies the benefits of fish oil for improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure. MayoClinic.com considers fish oil one of several natural ways to control cholesterol.
References
- Medline Plus; L-Arginine; November 19, 2010
- Drugs: L-Arginine
- Linus Pauling Institute; Magnesium; Victoria J. Drake; August 2007
- Practical Asthma Review: The Role of Calcium and Magnesium in Asthma
- "Journal of Asthma"; Effect of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Measures of Airway Resistance and Subjective Assessment of Asthma Control and Quality of Life in Men and Women with Mild to Moderate Asthma: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial; A. Kazaks, et al. February 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Hypertension"; The Natural Treatment of Hypertension; A. James Wilburn, et al.; May 2007
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