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Metabolon's Untargeted Metabolomics Services Used for Landmark Study Linking a Western Dietary Pattern During Pregnancy to Neurodevelopment Disorders
Metabolon's Untargeted Metabolomics Services Used for Landmark Study Linking a Western Dietary Pattern During Pregnancy to Neurodevelopment Disorders

Cision Canada

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Cision Canada

Metabolon's Untargeted Metabolomics Services Used for Landmark Study Linking a Western Dietary Pattern During Pregnancy to Neurodevelopment Disorders

Metabolomic profiling uncovered how maternal diet and metabolism may contribute to the risk of ADHD and autism in children MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in providing metabolomics solutions advancing a wide variety of life science research, diagnostic, therapeutic development, and precision medicine applications, today announced that Metabolon's untargeted metabolomics services were used in a landmark study led by principal investigators Rassmussen, Stokholm, Lasky-Su, and Kelly. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, revealed that blood metabolomic profiling was instrumental in uncovering biological mechanisms linking maternal diet and metabolism to neurodevelopmental disorders and in validating these associations through a consistent metabolic signature observed across multiple independent cohorts. Globally, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5–7% of children and adolescents and 2–5% of adults, with variations in prevalence influenced by regional differences in diagnostic practices. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has an estimated global prevalence of about 1–2% (around 1 in 100 children), although some recent studies suggest rates up to 2.3%. Boys are diagnosed with autism roughly four times more frequently than girls. Horner et al. conducted a large-scale analysis involving over 60,000 mother-child pairs, with untargeted blood metabolomic profiling performed on a subset of approximately 1,500 pairs, featuring longitudinal maternal and child sampling, to identify metabolic dietary signatures associated with neurodevelopmental risk. Metabolon's Global Discovery Panel, an untargeted metabolomics platform, was used to generate high-resolution metabolic profiles from maternal plasma during pregnancy and from children at multiple developmental stages. Subanalyses of the child metabolomic data showed that the most pronounced associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes were linked specifically to maternal diet during pregnancy, highlighting the prenatal period as a particularly sensitive window of exposure. The study revealed that consuming a Western diet during pregnancy significantly increased the risk of autism and ADHD in infants and children. Dietary survey data from COPSAC2010, a mother-child cohort based in Denmark, initially showed that moderate dietary shifts toward a Western dietary pattern were associated with increased ADHD risk by 66% and autism by 122%. Encouragingly, even modest improvements away from Western eating habits could meaningfully lower these risks, highlighting practical implications for prenatal nutrition. This Western dietary pattern was externally validated in the U.S.-based VDAART cohort using blood metabolomic modeling aligned with independently assessed food frequency questionnaires. Moreover, the association between this dietary pattern and ADHD risk was replicated across three independent mother-child cohorts, strengthening the inference for ADHD. Metabolomic profiling identified 15 circulating metabolites that significantly mediated the relationship between diet and neurodevelopment, offering insights into potential biological mechanisms. "This study analyzed maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and evaluated children's mental health at age 10. Using dietary surveys and blood metabolomics, we discovered that a Western dietary pattern in pregnancy was strongly associated with increased risk of ADHD and autism. By comparing metabolomic profiles from mid-pregnancy in the COPSAC cohort with early and late pregnancy samples from the VDAART cohort, we were able to infer that early to mid-pregnancy may represent a particularly sensitive window during which maternal diet can shape child neurodevelopment," said lead author of the study and lead COPSAC researcher Morten Arendt Rassmussen. Co-author and Principal Investigator of the VDAART cohort Jessica Lasky-Su added, "One of the most compelling aspects of this study is that metabolomic profiling was able to identify consistent dietary signals linked to neurodevelopmental risk across cohorts that differ significantly in socioeconomic status, race, and geographic setting. These insights pave the way for targeted nutritional interventions during pregnancy that could potentially reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children across a broad range of populations. The breadth of metabolites captured on the Metabolon platform was instrumental in enabling us to draw these conclusions." "We're extremely pleased to support the international efforts of the COPSAC and VDAART investigative teams led by Morten Arendt Rassmussen, Jakob Stokholm, Jessica Lasky-Su, and Rachel Kelly," said Greg Michelotti, Director of Population Health at Metabolon. "This study shows the power of metabolomics and specifically Metabolon's industry-leading untargeted metabolomics services to elucidate novel insights for caregivers and parents worldwide seeking the healthiest possible outcomes for children." Learn more about this groundbreaking scientific research here. Learn more about Metabolon's untargeted metabolomics services here. About Metabolon Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research and complement other 'omics' technologies. With more than 20 years, 10,000+ projects, 3,500+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015, CLIA, and CAP certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technology, and bioinformatics techniques. Metabolon's Global Discovery Panel is powered by the world's largest proprietary metabolomics reference library. Metabolon's industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success. The company offers scalable, customizable multiomics solutions, including metabolomics and lipidomics, that support customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. For more information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Metabolomics Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system. Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond the genetic variation of individuals, capturing the combined impact of genetic and external factors such as the effect of drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers, enabling a better understanding of a drug's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.

The Truth Behind Artificial Sweeteners and Other Risks to Consider
The Truth Behind Artificial Sweeteners and Other Risks to Consider

CNET

time12-05-2025

  • Health
  • CNET

The Truth Behind Artificial Sweeteners and Other Risks to Consider

Last March, a new study published in the Nature Metabolism journal concluded that artificial sweeteners, like those in diet soda, can make you feel hungrier. The findings state that sucralose, the artificial sweetener studied, "can affect key mechanisms in the hypothalamus responsible for appetite regulation, and that indulging fair amount of artificial sweeteners may "ultimately influence appetite regulation and metabolic responses over time." The latest research on sucralose isn't the first to suggest that sugar substitutes don't always lead to healthier outcomes. In August of 2024, Cleveland Clinic research found a link between erythritol -- a sugar substitute in many baked goods and sweets -- and a potentially higher risk of cardiovascular events like a stroke or heart attack. Published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, the study found that erythritol had a blood-clotting effect, unlike glucose found in regular sugar. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sugar substitute. Though it occurs naturally in some fruits, it's added to foods in much higher amounts. It's also different from other sugar substitutes like aspartame or sucralose. While the study was small and does not prove causation, its findings are important because of how commonly artificial sweeteners and low-calorie sugar substitutes are touted as the healthier option -- particularly to people and who may already be at a higher risk for heart disease. They've also gained some popularity as a keto-friendly option. The findings add to similar existing research on erythritol and cardiovascular risk done by the clinic which was published in Nature Medicine in 2023. Artificial or low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol are often added to foods like baked of this recent news follows the 2023 advice from the World Health Organization to not use sugar substitutes as a means for long-term weight control or management, as it doesn't tend to work. "Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high cardiovascular risk – those with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome – consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar," Dr. Stanley Hazen, senior and corresponding author of the newer erythritol study and chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, said in Cleveland Clinic news release. "These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to approach sugar substitutes the same way they should approach real sugar: with moderation. The difference, though, is that low-calorie or zero-calorie sweetener options have different health benefits and risks than regular sugar. And because sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners come in such different forms, it makes the health benefit-risk profile even harder to pin down. Here's what to know. nortonrsx/Getty Images Types of alternative sweeteners Before diving into sugar versus sugar alternatives, it's helpful to know what alternative sweeteners actually are -- there are three types of alternative sweeteners, all with their own uses, benefits and drawbacks. Artificial sweeteners are what most people typically think of when considering sugar alternatives: Splenda (sucralose), Sweet'N Low (saccharin), Equal (aspartame) and Sweet One (acesulfame K). Another, called Newtame, uses a less popular sweetener called neotame. These sweeteners can be 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) and they have zero calories, which is why they're called non-nutritive sweeteners. The only exception is aspartame, which does have calories, but the amount is often considered negligible because you need very little aspartame to achieve an intensely sweet taste in foods and drinks. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that occurs naturally in plants, but they can also be man-made in labs. Most sugar alcohols are processed from sugars and starches through a chemical manufacturing process. They do contain some calories, although not as many per gram as sugar. Some sugar alcohols you may have seen on food labels include sorbitol, erythritol, maltitol and xylitol: They're really common in sugar-free gum, protein bars, low-calorie ice cream and other processed foods, especially diet foods. You can also find some sugar alcohols in dental products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. They're called sugar alcohols because their chemical structure resembles both sugar and alcohol, but despite the name, these low-calorie sweeteners don't contain ethanol, the type of alcohol that leads to intoxication. Novel sweeteners include newer sugar alternatives that are difficult to place in the above two categories. The most recognizable example: stevia. Stevia, or rather stevia extract, is a popular plant-based sweetener with almost no calories. It doesn't have a chemical structure like artificial non-nutritive sweeteners, nor sugar alcohols -- so it hovers in novel sweetener limbo. Other novel sweeteners include monk fruit extract (a zero-calorie sweetener that comes from a fruit native to China) and tagatose (an artificial sweetener that is actually less sweet than table sugar). The Food and Drug Administration considers all of the above sugar alternatives as "high-intensity sweeteners," and they all come with several pros and cons. Benefits of sugar alternatives Sugar alternatives may be one of the most scrutinized food additives around. Like any food additive, they must be authorized for consumption in the US by the FDA. The FDA currently recognizes many sugar alternatives as safe to eat, and research suggests that they can offer health benefits, especially when used for specific purposes, such as keeping diabetes under control. Could potentially help with (short-term) weight loss or maintenance If you're looking to curb your calorie intake to lose weight, but don't want to give up sweet foods and drinks, sugar substitutes are an easy first tool to try: You get the taste you desire, but without the calories. But recent research has reanalyzed this logic and suggests that alternative sweeteners may not always help with weight loss efforts (more about this under drawbacks on alternative sweeteners below). But for people who are cognizant of their overall food and drink consumption, low- or zero-calorie sweeteners may aid in weight loss. In 2023, the WHO put out a statement saying that nonsugar sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia shouldn't be used for longterm weight control. (The WHO says this does not apply to low-calorie sugars or sugar alcohols.) If you are trying to lose weight, it's important that you don't inadvertently replace these calories elsewhere. Having a diet sweet tea instead of a regular sweet tea, for example, may lead you to eat more calories because you "saved" some by drinking the diet beverage. Read more: Can Diet Sodas Cause Cancer? Making Sense of the WHO's Aspartame Classification Help to keep blood sugar under control Sugar substitutes can help people with diabetes satisfy cravings without causing rises in blood sugar like real sugar does. A 2012 statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association says that non-nutritive sweeteners can help people reduce their sugar intake and overall calorie intake when used with good judgment, although the benefits won't apply if you overcompensate and get too much sugar from other foods. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about which sugar substitutes or sweeteners you should look for on food labels so you can satisfy your sweet tooth safely, taking your whole health history into account. Good for oral health If one thing is for sure, sugar alternatives can help with dental health. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth ferment sugar, which creates acid. The acid wears down your teeth, eventually breaking through the enamel and causing a cavity. Since sugar substitutes don't contain sugar, they can help prevent the tooth decay process. Read more: Can Prebiotic Soda Hurt Your Teeth? Here's what Experts Say Sugar alternative drawbacks Equal is another popular alternative sweetener. The original version uses aspartame, a non-nutritive sweetener that's been scrutinized for decades because of reported side effects, such as digestive symptoms. The science on aspartame and potential side effects is still conflicting, and the WHO labeled it as possibly carcinogenic in 2023. Equal Non-nutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners definitely have their advantages, as evidenced above. They have potential pitfalls, too -- not everything about those colorful calorie-free packets is so sweet. May disrupt your gut health Research has shown that some artificial sweeteners (saccharin and sucralose), as well as stevia, can change the composition of your gut. If sweeteners reduce the number of good bacteria and hamper the growth of good bacteria, you may wind up with an imbalanced gut, which can lead to symptoms like cramping, gas and bloating. This 2019 review of studies suggests that some sweeteners can have negative effects while others, specifically sugar alcohols, may have positive effects. Research in animals has also shown negative changes to gut bacteria after consumption of artificial sweeteners, though more research is needed in humans to determine the true long-term effects of sugar alternatives on gut health. Can cause digestive upset Whether or not sweeteners disrupt your gut microbiome, they are known to cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. Most of this evidence is anecdotal, beginning decades ago with complaints about cramps after consuming aspartame. Though more studies are needed to determine the relationship between alternative sweeteners and digestive distress, research does note that some digestive symptoms may be due to changes in the gut bacteria or the way that alternative sweeteners move through your digestive tract. For now, it's best to monitor your symptoms, if any, when you consume different sweeteners (and stay away from the ones that cause distress). Can actually increase cravings for sweets Alternative sweeteners may have few or zero calories, but that doesn't mean your sugar cravings will stop. Research points out that the desire for sweet foods doesn't depend on the origin of the sweetness, and that people can develop cravings for sweet foods even in the absence of calories, likely because that combination -- sweet taste and zero calories -- confuses your body and disrupts appetite regulation. In one eyebrow-raising animal study, rats were allowed to choose between saccharin-sweetened water and intravenous cocaine, and the vast majority (94%) chose sweetened water. The authors note that the same preference was observed with sugar-sweetened water, so it can't be said that artificial sweeteners are more addictive than sugar -- just that sweetness in general can be highly addictive. Linked to longterm weight gain Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners, despite having few or no calories, may lead to weight gain when consumed frequently over time. One study even showed that drinking artificially sweetened soda coincided with an increase in waist circumference nine years later. Another found that people who used non-nutritive sweeteners had a larger increase in BMI than people who didn't consume non-nutritive sweeteners at an eight-year follow-up, except among people who exercised regularly. The reasoning behind this isn't clear, but researchers think it may have to do with metabolic changes induced by alternative sweeteners or because of compensatory behavior -- that is, thinking things like, "I drank a diet soda so I can have extra cake." The takeaway A little bit of sugar won't hurt you, especially in the form of fruit. If you have a medical condition that may be affected by sugar intake, talk to your doctor about consuming proper portions. Getty Images The current consensus is that scientists just don't know enough about the long-term effects of sugar alternatives -- artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols or novel sweeteners -- to make definitive claims, or whether sugar or alternatives are better in the long term. Both sugar and sugar alternatives are OK to eat in moderation -- what truly matters is that you make smart food choices based on your current health status and medical conditions, as well as how sugar or alternative sweeteners make you feel. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed. It's probably a good idea, for example, to stay away from sugar alcohols if you get the laxative effect. Likewise, you may want to limit table sugar if you tend to get sugar headaches or if you have diabetes. But on the tails on more research on cardiovascular risk and one sugar substitute, it's best to speak with your doctor about which sweeteners to choose if you do buy a lot of food marketed for dieting, low-calorie or sugar-free options. If you're worried about the harmful effects of either -- sugar or alternatives -- a good rule of thumb is that whole food is usually better. Choose an apple over apple juice; choose fresh-squeezed lemonade over a zero-calorie lemonade mix; choose homemade granola over store-bought. Most of all, choose whatever best suits your health needs and makes you happy.

Body Fat May Increase Risk Of Anxiety And Depression: Study
Body Fat May Increase Risk Of Anxiety And Depression: Study

NDTV

time26-04-2025

  • Health
  • NDTV

Body Fat May Increase Risk Of Anxiety And Depression: Study

A new study found a correlation between higher percentages of body fat, particularly in the legs, gynoid region, and head, and increased symptoms of depression. This connection was more pronounced in men and individuals classified as underweight or overweight, suggesting that the distribution of body fat may play a role in mental well-being. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Metabolism on April 15, 2025, are particularly relevant given the rising rates of anxiety and obesity, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying biological processes. "Understanding the link between adipose tissue and anxiety opens up new avenues for research and potential treatments," says Gregory Steinberg, senior author on the paper and a professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster. "Our findings highlight the complex interplay between metabolism and mental health, and we hope this will lead to better outcomes for individuals suffering from anxiety," says Steinberg, a Canada Research Chair in Metabolism and Obesity and the co-director of the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research at McMaster. As per a news release, the research team discovered that psychological stress, which triggers the fight or flight response, initiates a process called lipolysis in fat cells. This process leads to the release of fats, which in turn stimulate the release of a hormone called GDF15 from immune cells found in the fat tissue. GDF15 then communicates with the brain, resulting in anxiety. Researchers came to their conclusion through a series of meticulously designed experiments involving mice. Behavioural tests assessed anxiety-like behaviour, and molecular analyses identified the activated pathways. A clear connection between metabolic changes in adipose tissue and anxiety was established, offering new insights into the interplay between metabolism and mental health. "These findings open up exciting possibilities for developing new treatments for anxiety by focusing on metabolic pathways," says Logan Townsend, first author on the paper and a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster. "By understanding how stress-induced changes in fat cells can influence anxiety, we can explore innovative therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic processes, potentially offering more effective and targeted relief for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Several companies are developing blockers of GDF15 for treating cancer, so it is possible these will find use for anxiety as well," says Townsend.

Study: Artificial Sweeteners Disrupt Appetite and Slow Weight Loss - Jordan News
Study: Artificial Sweeteners Disrupt Appetite and Slow Weight Loss - Jordan News

Jordan News

time24-04-2025

  • Health
  • Jordan News

Study: Artificial Sweeteners Disrupt Appetite and Slow Weight Loss - Jordan News

People who consume artificial sweeteners in an effort to lose or manage weight might actually be making things worse, according to a recent study published in Nature Metabolism. اضافة اعلان A team of scientists based in Germany and the United States found that sucralose—a widely used sugar substitute—increases activity in the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in appetite regulation. Researchers from the German Center for Diabetes Research and the University of Southern California reported that tests involving 75 participants revealed that sucralose enhanced "functional connectivity between the hypothalamus and brain regions involved in motivation and somatosensory processing." These findings suggest that 'non-caloric sweeteners may influence key mechanisms in the hypothalamus responsible for regulating appetite.' Kathleen Alana Page from the Keck School of Medicine at USC explained, 'Sucralose confuses the brain by providing a sweet taste without the expected caloric energy.' Sucralose was also found to have no effect on the hormones that signal to the brain that calories have been consumed, which help reduce hunger. Page warned that this effect was more pronounced in individuals with obesity, suggesting they may feel hungry even when they are not. She added, 'If your body expects a certain amount of calories from the sweeteners but doesn't receive them, this could alter the brain's programming for craving these substances over time.'

The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon
The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon

National Geographic

time21-04-2025

  • Health
  • National Geographic

The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon

A study of long-distance runners shows the brain's remarkable ability to adapt—by burning its own fat. A marathon taxes more than just muscles—it pushes the brain to its metabolic limits. New research shows that during extreme endurance events, the brain may burn its own fat for fuel, revealing just how adaptable—and surprising—the mind can be. Photograph by Ben Stansall, AFP/Getty Images Carlos Matute wasn't looking for a scientific breakthrough when he laced up his shoes for a long run. But as the miles ticked by, the neuroscientist from the University of the Basque Country found himself chasing a persistent question: 'How do we make it to the finish line, being conscious, after having our energy stores depleted?' That curiosity led to a surprising possible answer. In a recent study in Nature Metabolism, Matute found that myelin—the fatty insulation wrapped about nerve fibers—provides energy when fuel runs low, such as during a grueling endurance event like a marathon. Some headlines have sensationalized the finding as the brain 'eating itself,' but Matute says the truth is far more nuanced—and promising. Instead, it adds evidence of how the brain adapts and changes, even well into adulthood. Your brain burns fat during a marathon For his study, Matute and colleagues scanned the brains of 10 recreational runners using MRI before and after a marathon, and again two weeks to two months later. In the two days post-marathon, myelin was reduced in 12 of the 100 areas evaluated; the affected areas were involved in motor coordination, sensory integration, and emotion, regions frequently used during running. Two months after the marathon, myelin levels recovered. (This is why running is the ultimate cardiovascular sport.) The team determined the results were not due to dehydration. Instead, it seems that the brain is using myelin, which is mostly lipids or 'brain fat' as Matute calls it, as fuel. 'When there is no glucose coming from the bloodstream, then [the brain] has to use whatever it has at hand,' says Matute. For a neuron, this means myelin. Participants ranged in age from 45 to 73, suggesting that even older brains remain remarkably adaptable. 'Nobody foresaw that this would happen, that the structure of our brain may change so rapidly, in the time which it takes you to run the marathon,' says Matute. Matute doesn't believe the temporary drop in myelin leads to noticeable cognitive changes. He suspects the brain routinely taps into myelin for fuel, just at levels too low to detect—except during extreme events like a marathon. But there's no need to panic, he says. The changes were short-lived—and may even be healthy. 'You exercise everything, including your myelin metabolism,' he says. What running does to your brain Running has long been linked to brain benefits. It boosts mood-regulating chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which can ease anxiety and depression. That famous 'runner's high,' once chalked up to endorphins, may come from endocannabinoids—the brain's natural version of cannabis. (Here's how to get high on your hormones—naturally.) Aerobic exercise also seems to spur the birth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain region critical for memory and learning. Over time, these changes may protect against cognitive decline. Marathon running has been studied less than running in general, but some studies show these trends hold up over 26 miles. One study reported that some regions of the hippocampus were larger in marathon runners than in healthy controls. Astrid Roeh, a physician at the University of Augsburg, found that marathon runners exhibited fewer depressive symptoms than sedentary people over six months and reported the best moods the day after the marathon. (Humans were built for long-distance running.) In another study, Roeh found that marathon running led to changes in the brain's electrical activity, as measured by electroencephalogram (EEG). Like Matute's findings in myelin, these changes were transient. 'The changes in EEG patterns indicate that there are alterations in how neural circuits are functioning and communicating,' she says. This reorganization in response to experience is called neuroplasticity. She hypothesizes that regular physical activity may prime the brain for plasticity. 'If someone is already physically active, then intense challenges like a marathon might have a stronger — or at least more coordinated — neuroplastic effect,' she says. 'The system is ready to respond more effectively.' However, not all brain changes are positive. Marathoners and endurance athletes are particularly prone to overtraining syndrome, says Luana Main, a professor at Deakin University. 'A lot of endurance athletes are still of the mindset that more is always better,' she says. But doing more without sufficient rest, especially when sick or stressed, taxes the body too much. Overtraining syndrome leads to injury and poor performance and can take months or years to recover from. It also affects the brain. 'Changes in mood state are often one of the first changes that occur before you see a decrement in performance,' says Main. Overtrained athletes tend to feel grumpy, overwhelmed, and tired. 'They're just not loving life,' she says. (No time to exercise? Just five minutes still has a big impact.) In a review, Main and her colleagues found that cognitive function, particularly reaction time, was impaired when athletes were overreaching or overtraining. Main says that because cognition is affected, people are more likely to make errors and become injured. Paying attention to these cognitive effects can be helpful. In a different review of the research, Main and colleagues found that subjective measures, such as mood and perceived stress, were more sensitive to increased training loads than objective measures, such as heart rate and oxygen consumption. By tracking reaction times with online games and moods with daily journaling, athletes can know when they may be overdoing it. Avoiding overtraining requires incorporating adequate rest and recovery into training. Main emphasizes that risk is not a reason to avoid exercise; however, the numerous benefits of exercise outweigh the bad. But, for the small part of the population doing huge training loads, 'More is not always better,' she says. 'Sometimes less is more.' Matute agrees. 'For people who worry, 'Should I stop running?' I would say, 'No, never, as long as you train properly.''

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