Researchers at Aarhus University have synthesized a molecule called LaKe that replicates the metabolic effects of exercise and fasting.
This advancement allows the body to mimic the beneficial states of high lactate and ketone levels, which could transform into an innovative nutritional supplement aiding those unable to maintain rigorous exercise and diet routines, and potentially assist in treating brain-related conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia.
Exercise and Fasting Benefits Mimicked by New Molecule
Regular exercise and periodic fasting are widely recognized for their numerous health benefits. These activities strengthen the heart and lower blood fat levels due to the body’s natural response, which involves rising levels of lactate (the salt of lactic acid) and ketones that serve as efficient cellular fuels and benefit organ function.
Researchers in chemistry, metabolism, and diabetes at Aarhus University have developed a molecule that replicates these metabolic effects without the need for physical exertion or dietary restrictions.
Their findings were recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Same Effect as a 10 km Run on an Empty Stomach
“We’ve developed a molecule that can mimic the body’s natural metabolic response to strenuous exercise and fasting. In practice, the molecule brings the body into a metabolic state corresponding to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach,” explains Professor Thomas Poulsen from the Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University. He is one of the leading researchers behind the study.
“When lactate and ketone levels in the blood increase, the production of an appetite-suppressing 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.”
According to the professor, it is not possible to achieve the same effect through diet alone, since lactate and ketones, although they occur naturally, cannot be consumed in the necessary quantities without undesirable by-products such as acid and salt. This is where the new molecule, called LaKe, comes in.
LaKe Molecule > Dietary Supplements
The development of LaKe is the result of several years of research collaboration between Thomas Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johannsen from the Department of Forensic Medicine, and Chief physician and Professor Niels Møller, at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Steno Diabetes Center, Aarhus.
All three have researched metabolism from different angles, and they all already knew from their own and others’ studies that lactate and ketones have beneficial effects. It took them three years to make the chemical fusion of lactate and ketones, without the harmful ‘fellow passengers’ in the form of salt and acid.
“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.
Clinical Trials and Future Potential
So far, the molecule has only been tested on rats, but the first clinical trials in humans are now underway at Aarhus University Hospital. According to Thomas Poulsen, the trials are expected to pave the way for the molecule to become an advanced nutritional supplement. It will especially help people who cannot follow a strict exercise and diet plan.
“It can be difficult to maintain motivation to run many kilometers 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,” explains Thomas Poulsen.
Perspectives for Treatment of Brain Trauma
The molecule also has the potential to alleviate concentration difficulties and may be used in the treatment of serious diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia. These diseases are often characterized by low energy levels in the brain, which inhibit its optimal functioning.
“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.
Reference: “Preparation and Preclinical Characterization of a Simple Ester for Dual Exogenous Supply of Lactate and Beta-hydroxybutyrate” by Rasmus N. Ottosen, Jacob M. Seefeldt, Jakob Hansen, Roni Nielsen, Niels Møller, Mogens Johannsen and Thomas B. Poulsen, 30 August 2024, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04849
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14 Comments
From the actual study: “The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): R.N.O., J.M.S, J.H., R.N., N.M., M.J., and T.B.P. are inventors on a patent related to LaKe. N.M., M.J., and T.B.P. are co-founders and shareholders in Mmimetika Biosciences ApS that hold the commercial rights to exploit this patent.â So there is a conflict of interest in this study, which was funded by Novo Nordisk, which is a drug company.
The theory behind this approach is that you can get the benefits of exercise by consuming the metabolic products of exercise directly, without the physical effort. âWeâve developed a molecule that can mimic the bodyâs natural metabolic response to strenuous exercise and fasting. In practice, the molecule brings the body into a metabolic state corresponding to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach,â
However, there are more benefits to exercise than just the production of ketone bodies and lactate, such as increased circulation and muscle strengthening. Giving these metabolites to people who are not exercising, trying to simulate the result of exercise, may conflict with the normal metabolism of the person. So to deal with this problem, it seems the researchers are suggesting high levels of LaKe be consumed. “It is increasingly appreciated that Lac and BHB have wide-ranging beneficial physiological effects, suggesting that novel nutritional solutions, compatible with high-level and/or sustained consumption, which allow direct control of plasma levels of Lac and BHB, are of strong interest.â
So the goal is to get people to use their drug as at a high level, with sustained consumption, as a supplement to simulate exerciseâs metabolic impacts. Of course, a keto diet can probably achieve the same thing, since it creates ketosis and high lactate due to low sugar consumption. A keto diet is an actual diet, with good nutrition and protein. Itâs not a pill with the end metabolites of lactate and ketones, trying to simulate the benefits of exercise.
You took the words right out of my mouth – and said them better than ever I could. In this sedentary, digital world, the real need is not for more chemical solutions to our rapidly declining physical health, but more exercise and a healthy diet. People need to exercise MORE, not less, as they get older – or so I understand the scientific “consensus” says.
A pull for everything is so typically American. And it never ends well.
Ozempic, anyone?
Maybe if they developed a pill for typos, then I’d be interested…
This was developed in Europe
Both of ozem and lake are eurooean
A pill for everything is so typically American. And it never ends well.
Ozempic, anyone?
I’ve lost nearly 50lbs. on Ozempic. Diet and exercise never worked. Don’t be so quick to be a know-it-all sm@rt@ss. Walk a mile in my shoes!
Right lmao I agree same here đ
One can’t cheat their way to health. The funny thing is being healthy is remarkably simple… Here it is:
1. Don’t consume anything that wasn’t available to prior to the year 1880
2. Exercise regularly in sunshine. Both cardio and weight lifting
3. Avoid or abstain from alcohol
I’m with you. However I say no weights – do some real work and avoid caffeine except in small quantities like for alcohol. You could join me.
Not everyone has four limbs left; makes it more difficult to do those daily triathlons.
I’m excited for super elite and wealthy people to start taking this so I can see how it truns them into living zombies and gargoyles, like the rest of the snake oil those cretins partake in.
You go first !