The Workout Pill: Can a capsule mimic the effects of running a marathon?

Running is an appealing exercise for a reason.

It doesn’t need much equipment, is convenient for people and improves overall health.

However, truth be told, it can be hard for some people, especially those with injuries or compromised health.

Researchers in Denmark claim to have created an innovative new pill that replicates the benefits and effects of intense exercise without moving a muscle.

Here’s all we know about it.

What does the study say?

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the new drug has the same positive effects on health as running a quick and lengthy distance.

So far, the pill known as LaKe has demonstrated the ability to eliminate toxins and strengthen the heart in laboratory rats.

“We’ve developed a molecule that can mimic the body’s natural metabolic response to strenuous exercise and fasting,” said Dr Thomas Poulsen, a chemist at Aarhus University who led the research, according to SciTechDaily.

More from Health

From infections to lifestyle damage, experts call for integrated surgery and physiotherapy in India Dr explains: How modern lifestyles are fuelling the 'tech neck' epidemic and orthopaedic ailments

“In practice, the molecule brings the body into a metabolic state corresponding to running 10 kilometres at high speed on an empty stomach,” he added.

Thomas Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johannsen from the Department of Forensic Medicine, and Professor Niels Møller, Chief Physician at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Steno Diabetes Centre, Aarhus, collaborated on research for several years before developing LaKe.

Each of the three has studied metabolism from a distinct angle, and they are all aware of the advantages of lactate and ketones based on their own and other research.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

The new human organ scientists discovered in 2020 can help fight cancer of head and neck: Research

Doctor Explains | Why Pap smears can’t detect ovarian cancer and which tests women should rely on instead

The process of combining lactate and ketones chemically without the addition of harmful “fellow passengers” like acid and salt required three years.

“In a way, we’re not surprised by the effect, because we are combining well-known substances. The innovation is that we have now created a molecule which allows us to artificially control the amounts of lactate and ketones safely,” says Thomas Poulsen.

How does the pill work?

According to the researchers, after working out, the body often experiences an inflammatory phase during which lactate and ketones levels rise.

This increase not only releases hormones that reduce appetite but also clears the blood of fatty acids, which lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes while speeding up the body’s healing processes.

Although the release of lactate aids in the maintenance of metabolic processes, the liver produces ketone, which is released whenever the body starts to turn fat into energy.

According to the researchers, it is not possible to achieve the same effect through diet alone, since lactate and ketones can’t be consumed in high enough quantities without the buildup of undesirable by-products such as acid and salt.

This is where LaKe helps, as the pill has both lactate and ketones without any unfavourable extras.

According to research, LaKe can safely and successfully regulate how much lactate and ketones the body produces.

How will it help people?

The pill promises to deliver the benefits without the difficulty of exertion, which could be a game changer for those with injuries or compromised health, the researchers said.

“It can be difficult to maintain motivation to run many kilometres at high speed and go without food. For people with physical ailments, such as a weak heart or general weakness, a nutritional supplement can be the key to better recovery,” Dr Poulsen said.

The pill also has the potential to alleviate concentration difficulties and may be used in the treatment of serious diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia.

Low energy levels in the brain, which prevent it from operating at its best, are frequently present in several illnesses.

“Because lactate can take over the role of glucose in the brain under stressful or traumatic conditions, there have been experiments to increase lactate levels in people with concussion. Patients who cannot perform strenuous exercise will benefit greatly from a drug that can boost these levels,” explains Thomas Poulsen.

When will it be available in the market?

The pill has only been studied on rats thus far, but Aarhus University Hospital is currently conducting the first human clinical studies.

Thomas Poulsen anticipates that the trials will open the door for the molecule to develop into a cutting-edge dietary supplement.

Those who struggle to stick to a strict exercise and nutrition regimen will benefit most from it.

With inputs from agencies