Introduction
We have all heard of this line- move! Exercise! Get going or you will not age well. That is definitely true, but what about people who genuinely cannot move freely or suffer from neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s or have to deal with dementia- where they forget intricate, little details that make their whole day a normal, routine occurrence? Movement by itself is a massive effort and getting enough exercise on a regular basis can feel like an insurmountable trek to the summit of Mt. Everest. But, researchers have finally found a work-around for such folks- they are testing the viability of using a compound that amps up metabolism to a super high level, minus the dehydration and extreme physical exhaustion. This is LaKe- a compound that breaks down to form lactones and ketones in the blood and studies have shown that an increase in the level of both of these molecules can cause the body to rev up its metabolism- as it is super similar to engaging in intermittent fasting and strenuous exercise (like running for 10 km straight, without breaks on an empty stomach).
What is LaKe?
Researchers at the Aarhus University in Denmark have developed LaKe- an ester-based compound that breaks down to give lactones and ketones in the body. With greater levels of both molecules in the blood, there is a marked downward shift in the production of ghrelin- a hormone that causes you to get hungry and can increase your appetite. With ghrelin mostly out of the picture, you don’t eat as much and your body assumes that you are fasting and begins to break down fat to use as fuel for energy. This directly translates to lesser amounts of free fatty acids in the blood and better heart health in the long term.
How Can LaKe Help?
Three researchers- Thomas Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johannsen and Thomas Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johannsen who have studied metabolism in great detail over the last decade decided to work together to synthesise a compound that would be a good supplement to take regularly, for people with weak hearts or who suffer from movement disorders. These individuals need exercise but cannot get it daily. Even a well managed diet can only give a very minute, finite amount of lactones and ketones for the body to work with. This concentration by itself is not enough for promoting better fat metabolism.
The lactones themselves can also possibly help individuals who suffer from dementia or other neurodegenerative disorders- as a key feature is low cellular energy with such conditions. This can worsen forgetfulness or cognitive decline too over time. The lactones can break down to give lactate- which is a great alternative source of energy for the brain to use, instead of depending solely on glucose (whose levels begin to wobble because of poorer metabolism with advancing age).
Since LaKe breaks down to give ketones like beta-hydroxy butyrate, it can indirectly influence the NAD+/NADH ratio in cells and cause an increase in the amount of NAD+ available to cells for usage. This is also how LaKe simulates the positive effects of intermittent fasting. So, using LaKe may help in increasing NAD+ reserves in the body and promote better cellular healing and longevity related mechanisms too.
Conclusion
Supplementing with LaKe can be a boon for folks who cannot exercise on a regular basis, but still need the regular movement to keep their heart and brain healthy. LaKe breaks down to give lactones and ketones and this can increase fat breakdown and reduce ghrelin production. The one crucial aspect of fasting is the increase in autophagy related pathways. Studies with LaKe on mice have been extremely promising, which is why human clinical trials have begun now. It hence remains to be seen how these human clinical trials with LaKe progress and if supplementing additionally with NMN can help magnify the positive effects of LaKe itself. While they won’t interact directly with each other, there is enough evidence to show that they can indirectly influence metabolism in a good way and that is what we ultimately want, right?
FAQs
1. How does LaKe replicate the benefits of fasting?
LaKe breaks down to give lactones and ketones- which help reduce ghrelin production and increase lipolysis in the body- which is why it is so heart friendly and good for your metabolism too.
2. What are the anti-ageing effects of LaKe?
Lactones can break down to give lactate- which is a good source of alternate fuel for the brain. Ketones like BHB can help increase NAD+ levels indirectly, by influencing the NAD+/NADH ratio. All of these translate to better cellular health and longevity for you.
3. Does LaKe work without dietary changes?
LaKe can help increase lactone and ketone levels, which are otherwise present in very low amounts if you eat a balanced diet daily. Hence, there is no need for severe caloric reduction or prolonged fasting either, as these dietary restrictions don’t help older folk with chronic ailments.
4. Who should consider LaKe for longevity and metabolic health?
Anyone who suffers from heart issues or has movement and neurodegenerative disorders may be an ideal candidate for regular supplementation with LaKe. But, please remember that this molecule is NOT presently available for usage by the general public. It is still being studied.
5. Are fasting mimetics safe to take long-term?
You should talk to your doctor about taking any additional supplement. Plus, any substance that will influence your metabolism should NOT be taken long term and should be cycled appropriately. This is so that you don’t gain excessive weight when you are off it or your blood glucose levels don’t go all over the place and your body does NOT become overly dependent on it.