#ExerciseMimetic

A natural compound found in common foods and produced by the kidneys during endurance exercise may unlock the anti-aging benefits of regular physical activity—without any need to hit the gym, according to a landmark study published in the journal Cell by a Chinese Academy of Sciences research team. The discovery could pave the way for “exercise-in-a-pill” therapies that offer hope to Thailand’s rapidly aging population and to those with limited mobility or chronic health issues.

A natural compound found in common foods and produced by the kidneys during endurance activity may mirror many benefits of regular exercise. A study from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests betaine could support healthy aging, especially for people who cannot engage in physical activity. The findings spark discussion about therapies that fit Thailand’s aging population.

Researchers identify betaine as a molecular marker that reflects exercise’s positive effects. In aged mice, oral betaine supplementation improved metabolism, immune function, muscle strength, and tissue regeneration—paralleling outcomes seen in animals that trained regularly. The results imply betaine could slow age-related decline even without exercise. For Thai readers, an accessible intervention to complement lifestyle efforts is timely given the country’s aging demographic and rising chronic disease risk.