Scientists have invented an exercise pill that mimics the health benefits of running 10km
Condensing a workout into a single pill has long been a dream of medical scientists.
But now researchers in Denmark say this vision has moved a step closer to reality, with the invention of a promising new drug.
It mimics the effect of exercise without the user moving a muscle, flushing toxins from the cells and strengthening the heart.
In a study in rats, researchers said the drug produced the same health benefits as running 10km at high speed.
The new drug produces the same health benefits as running 10km at high speed (stock)
Dr. Thomas Poulsen, a chemist at Aarhus University who led the research, said: ‘It can be difficult to maintain the motivation to run many kilometers at high speed and live without food.
‘For people with physical complaints, such as a weak heart or general weakness, a nutritional supplement can be the key to better recovery.’
After exercise, the body normally enters an inflammatory state with increased levels of lactate and ketones.
When these substances are high, hunger-suppressing chemicals are released and fatty acids are removed from the blood, which are linked to diabetes, cancer and dementia.
Lactate is released after exercise and keeps the metabolism healthy, while ketones are produced by the liver when the body breaks down fat for energy, such as during fasting, long periods of exercise or when there are not enough carbohydrates.
The researchers said the new drug, currently called LaKe, can “safely artificially control lactate and ketone levels.”
The drug is now being tested in humans to test whether it is safe before its effects on humans can also be evaluated.
If successful, the molecule could be developed into a supplement for human consumption.
But scientists warn it will likely take years before it becomes available.
Dr. Poulsen added: ‘We have developed a molecule that can mimic the body’s natural metabolic response to strenuous exercise and fasting.
‘In practice, the molecule puts the body in a metabolic state equivalent to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach.’
He added: ‘As lactate and ketone levels in the blood rise, the production of an appetite suppressant hormone increases and the level of free fatty acids in the blood decreases.
‘This has a number of health benefits, for example reducing the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes).’
This causes damage to cells, but also activates the body’s repair systems, improving overall health.
Their research was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.