A cheap nutritional supplement that mimics the benefits of
exercise without physical effort
A new study shows that taking a simple, low-cost nutritional supplement
may give the body benefits similar to those provided by regular exercise
such as improving heart and metabolic health and reducing aging.
In the study
a team of researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Medical
University led an in-depth scientific investigation to find out what happens to
the body at the molecular level after exercise.
The researchers found that continuous physical activity stimulates the production
of a natural compound called "betaine," which has anti-inflammatory properties
and contributes to delaying aging, as it has been described as "an endogenous
molecule produced by regular exercise, and has multiple protective effects.".
Betaine is known as a natural compound found in foods such as beets, spinach
and whole grains.It is also available in the form of a nutritional supplement
at a low price, and some athletes already use it.
13 healthy young men participated in the study, and they underwent examination
of the effect of exercise on the body in two periods: after intense exercise
(oneround of running for a distance of 5 km)
and after running daily for the same distance over several weeks.
The researchers collected blood and stool samples in 3 stages
(before exercise, immediately after it, and after regular training)
and noted that acute exercise initially raised inflammation levels
and caused "metabolic chaos," but as exercise continued
vital signs began to indicate an improvement in immunity
and activation of
the gut microbiome.And a decline in signs of cellular aging.
Exercise has also been shown to enhance the production of betaine within
the kidneys, which enhances its effect as a natural biological mediator that
protects organs from age-related deterioration.
Researchers
have observed that "betaine" works by inhibiting an enzyme
known as TBK1, which plays a role in inflammation and tissue aging.
To confirm the effectiveness of Betaine, the researchers gave it directly to mice
and they noticed that the effect was almost similar to exercise.
The compound helped reduce inflammation, improve metabolic function
enhance cognitive abilities and motor coordination
and even reduce depression-like behaviors in older mice.
The researchers hope that
"betaine" can provide a partial alternative to exercise for people
who are unable to do it, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities.
However
they noted that the sample size in this study is limited, requiring additional
research to confirm the supplement's long-term safety
and effectiveness in humans especially in different age groups.
"These findings give us a new perspective to understand how bodily functions
can be targeted by natural chemical means to prevent aging and related
diseases" said Dr.Liu Guanghui, one of the study's authors.