A recent study by researchers at the University of the Basque Country, published in Nature Metabolism, found that marathon running can temporarily reduce myelin content in the brain. Importantly, these changes are fully reversible within two months, offering reassurance to endurance athletes concerned about lasting neural effects.
As Bangkok’s marathon scene grows, this finding is particularly relevant for Thai runners who tackle the 42-kilometer challenge. The study introduces the concept of metabolic myelin plasticity, suggesting that during intense exercise the brain may tap myelin lipids as an additional energy source when glucose is scarce. This aligns with established knowledge that glycogen stores deplete during long efforts, prompting the body to adapt its energy pathways.
Myelin, the insulating layer around nerve fibers, supports fast and coordinated brain signaling. While once viewed mainly as structural, scientists now consider it potentially capable of supplying lipid-based fuel during demanding periods. In the study, lead researcher Dr. Carlos J. Matute reported measurable decreases in the myelin water fraction in brain regions associated with movement and sensation after endurance work. Crucially, these decreases recovered completely within two months after the race.
For Thai runners who train year-round, the findings highlight the brain’s resilience under strenuous conditions. They also raise questions about the effects of repeated cycles of myelin depletion and recovery. Hydration did not appear to drive these changes, but uncertainty remains about whether repeated use of myelin as an energy reserve could have cumulative neural effects, particularly for individuals with a family history of demyelinating conditions.
Thailand’s long-standing endurance traditions, including major races in Bangkok, make this research timely. The temporary rebound of myelin is encouraging, yet the possibility of longer-term implications from frequent participation warrants careful attention. More research is needed to explore potential cognitive or physiological consequences from repeated marathon involvement.
To apply these insights locally, organizers and health professionals in Thailand can emphasize safer training and recovery practices. Prioritizing pre-race health screenings, gradual buildup, and attentive post-race recovery may help protect brain health while sustaining performance. As science around myelin’s metabolic role evolves, athletes should balance ambition with mindful training to maximize gains while safeguarding neural well-being.
Thai readers invested in endurance sports can see how modern science complements traditional athletic culture, reinforcing a holistic view of health that honors both body and mind.