Myelin plays a vital role in maintaining the health and efficiency of the brain, so this reduction raises questions about the brain’s response to extreme physical exertion
A recent study has raised concerns about the impact of marathon running on brain health, specifically highlighting the potential effects on myelin, a fatty covering that protects the nerves and facilitates quick electrical signaling in the brain.
The research, conducted by Dr. Carlos Matute at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao, Spain, focused on runners’ brains before and after completing a marathon. MRI scans of 10 runners (eight men and two women) revealed a significant reduction in myelin in areas of the brain associated with coordination, senses, and emotions. The decrease in myelin was observed immediately after the marathon. However, follow-up scans two months later indicated that the brain’s myelin levels had returned to normal.
Myelin plays a vital role in maintaining the health and efficiency of the brain, so this reduction raises questions about the brain’s response to extreme physical exertion. Dr. Matute and his team suggest that during prolonged, intense physical activity like marathon running, the body may resort to fat stores for energy, and these stores could be drawn from the brain’s myelin as a source of fuel when carbohydrates are depleted. This theory positions myelin as an energy reservoir that the brain taps into when its usual sources of fuel are in short supply.
While the changes in myelin levels were temporary and showed signs of recovery, Dr. Matute points out that further research is necessary to determine if these shifts have any lasting impacts on brain functions. Specifically, it would be important to evaluate whether the reduction in myelin could impair functions related to coordination, sensory processing, and emotional regulation in the long run. The study opens up new avenues for understanding how the brain responds to extreme physical stress and highlights the need for further exploration into the complex relationship between physical activity and cognitive health.
