Overview

• A study of 13 healthy young men measured molecular responses before and after 45 days of minimal activity followed by daily 5 km runs, revealing increased kidney-derived betaine after sustained exercise.
• Scientists identified that betaine targets the enzyme TBK1 to curb inflammation and protect against cellular ageing.
• Oral betaine supplementation in mice reproduced multiple exercise benefits, including reduced inflammation, slowed cellular ageing, improved metabolism, enhanced kidney function and better cognition.
• Betaine naturally occurs in beets, spinach and whole grains and is sold as a low-cost dietary supplement.
• The research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University calls for large-scale clinical trials to assess long-term safety and efficacy across diverse age groups.