A low-cost supplement could provide many of the health benefits of regular exercise without breaking a sweat, scientists have discovered.

A new study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University found that sustained physical activity triggers the production of betaine, a compound naturally present in beetroot, spinach and wholegrains.

The research revealed that betaine acts as a molecular messenger, reducing inflammation, enhancing metabolism and slowing the ageing process.

Scientists suggest the supplement, available for as little as £14.99, could particularly benefit individuals who struggle to maintain regular exercise routines due to physical limitations or other constraints.

Sustained physical activity triggers the production of betaine

The study involved thirteen healthy young men who underwent a carefully controlled investigation examining both immediate and long-term effects of exercise.

Researchers explained they "conducted a rigorously controlled investigation in young males to examine the immediate physiological response to a single bout of exercise and the adaptive changes following multiple trainings".

Following a 45-day period of minimal activity, participants completed an initial 5-kilometre run before embarking on daily runs of the same distance.

Scientists collected blood and stool samples before, immediately after, and following the training period to analyse cellular and molecular changes.

The initial run prompted what researchers described as "metabolic chaos" with inflammation surging throughout the body.

However, as the men continued their training regime over several weeks, their bodies adapted remarkably. The sustained exercise boosted gut microbiomes and immune function whilst reversing ageing markers.

Researchers observed enhanced metabolic function and reduced inflammation levels. Crucially, repeated exercise increased betaine production in participants' kidneys.

The team discovered that betaine prevents inflammation and organ ageing by targeting an enzyme called TBK1. When tested on mice, treadmill running similarly drove betaine accumulation in their kidneys.

Mice given betaine supplements experienced reduced inflammation, slower cellular ageing, improved metabolism and kidney function, better coordination and cognition, and decreased depressive-like behaviours in older animals.

The supplement mimics the effects of exercise

Dr Liu Guang-Hui, co-corresponding author of the study, stated: "This redefines 'exercise as medicine'."

He added: "This study gives us a fresh way to turn how our body works into something we can target with chemicals. It opens the door to geroprotective treatments that can tweak how multiple organs work together."

While the researchers proposed that betaine supplements could benefit individuals who find regular exercise challenging, they acknowledged the study's limitations, noting the small participant pool of young males.

Further research is therefore necessary to confirm betaine's safety for older adults and more diverse populations before widespread recommendations can be made.