NEW YORK, Oct 6: Regular exercise and periodic fasting are well-known for their health benefits, including improved heart function and lower blood fat levels. These benefits arise from the body’s natural response to exercise and fasting, leading to increased lactate and ketone levels that enhance organ function and provide efficient cellular fuels.

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new molecule, named LaKe, that replicates these metabolic effects without requiring physical activity or dietary restrictions. Professor Thomas Poulsen, a lead researcher from the Department of Chemistry, explains that LaKe induces a metabolic state akin to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach.

The increase in lactate and ketone levels results in elevated production of appetite-suppressing hormones and a decrease in free fatty acid levels, which may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. According to Professor Poulsen, achieving these effects through diet alone is impossible, as consuming the necessary amounts of lactate and ketones can lead to harmful by-products like salt and acid. LaKe addresses this issue by safely mimicking the beneficial effects of these substances.

LaKe was developed through a three-year research collaboration involving Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johannsen from the Department of Forensic Medicine, and Chief Physician and Professor Niels Møller from the Department of Clinical Medicine and Steno Diabetes Center in Aarhus. The team, having previously studied metabolism from various angles, understood the benefits of lactate and ketones. Their innovative approach involved creating a chemical fusion of lactate and ketones while eliminating harmful by-products.

Currently, LaKe has been tested on rats, and human clinical trials are underway at Aarhus University Hospital. The goal is for LaKe to become an advanced nutritional supplement, particularly aiding those unable to adhere to strict exercise or diet regimens. Poulsen notes that a nutritional supplement can significantly enhance recovery for individuals with physical ailments, such as those with weak hearts or general fatigue.

Beyond enhancing physical health, the molecule may also help address concentration issues and could play a role in treating serious conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia. These diseases often exhibit low brain energy levels that hinder optimal function. Since lactate can substitute for glucose in the brain under stressful conditions, increasing lactate levels may benefit patients unable to engage in strenuous exercise. Poulsen emphasizes that a drug capable of elevating lactate levels could be immensely beneficial for such individuals.