Lactate drinks for runners have mixed results so far

1More animal protein was linked to slightly lower testosterone

The problem. Many men wonder how everyday food choices affect their hormones. Studies of food and health are hard to read because small differences can seem bigger than they are.

What they found. Researchers in Finland studied 2,546 men aged 42 to 60, who wrote down all they ate for four days. Men eating the most animal protein, especially from dairy, had slightly lower testosterone (a male hormone) than men eating the least. Men eating the most plant protein had slightly higher levels.

Try this. Notice what protein foods you eat at one meal today, with curiosity and no judgement.

How sure is this? This study looked at men at one point in time. It shows a link, not proof, and the researchers do not know if the small gaps matter for health.

Source: ScienceDaily¹

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2In mice, scarring stayed after a virus had cleared

The problem. After an illness, most of us feel the worst is over once the symptoms go. It is hard to know whether the body has fully recovered.

What they found. In mice recovering from a short viral infection, researchers found scar-like tissue in the spleen (an organ that helps fight germs). The mice also had weaker immune responses after the virus was gone. Mice vaccinated before infection did not develop these problems.

“The infection can be controlled, but that does not necessarily mean that the host has fully recovered.”

Dr. Paula Cebollada Rica, first author of the study

Try this. Look up what your spleen does, and notice one thing about your body you had never thought about.

How sure is this? This was a mouse study with no numbers given. It does not show that the same thing happens in people.

Source: ScienceDaily²

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3Lactate drinks for runners still show mixed results

The problem. Runners and cyclists are always offered new products that promise more endurance. It is hard to know which claims are backed by good evidence.

What they found. A sports science editor looked at small trials of lactate supplements. In one trial of 15 exercisers, average power rose about 4%. In another study of 16 cyclists, time-trial results did not clearly improve. Roughly half the studies reported stomach upset, mostly mild.

Try this. Next time a product promises a lot, look for who tested it, how many people took part, and what they found.

How sure is this? This is one expert's reading of small studies that used different products and tests. The author says the evidence is too mixed to show a clear benefit.

Source: Marathon Handbook³

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