Researchers have discovered that the brain’s insulation, called myelin, can shrink temporarily during marathon running. The study, which scanned the brains of 10 runners before and after their races, found that levels of myelin dropped by nearly 30% in some areas. This is due to the brain pulling energy from fat reserves during prolonged exercise.
The process is not permanent and returns to normal within two months. However, this response highlights the brain’s adaptability under stress and may inform future studies on neurological health. Scientists note that this effect appears harmless in healthy runners but could raise concerns for individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis, where myelin does not naturally regenerate.
The study aims to better understand how extreme endurance affects vulnerable brains. The findings suggest that marathons are unlikely to be hazardous for healthy people, instead showing the brain’s resilience under stress. So, next time you lace up for a 26.2-mile run, remember it’s not just your legs doing the work.
Source: https://san.com/cc/researchers-find-brain-may-feed-on-itself-during-marathon-running