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Marathon Runners Deplete Brain Myelin for Energy

3/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature Metabolism uncovers that marathon runners tap into their brain's myelin for energy when glucose runs low, a phenomenon called "metabolic myelin plasticity." Scans of 10 runners revealed notable myelin depletion in key motor and emotional areas after the race, with recovery taking up to two months. While the effects are mild, they highlight an intriguing aspect of brain health.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Nature Metabolism uncovers that marathon runners tap into their brain's myelin for energy when glucose runs low, a phenomenon called "metabolic myelin plasticity." Scans of 10 runners revealed notable myelin depletion in key motor and emotional areas after the race, with recovery taking up to two months. While the effects are mild, they highlight an intriguing aspect of brain health.