Study reveals a "danger" threatening long-distance runners

A recent study revealed that long-distance running disrupts the body's production of red blood cells, accelerates aging, and may cause anemia.

Research and studies have proven the benefits of running on the body's organs, especially the heart and circulatory system. However, a recent study showed that running long distances breaks down red blood cells.

The researchers explained that long-distance runners have fewer red blood cells and they become less flexible, which affects their ability to transport oxygen efficiently.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers collected blood samples from 23 runners immediately after they had run long distances, and analyzed thousands of proteins, fats, receptors, plasma and red blood cells, according to the British newspaper "The Independent".

The results revealed that red blood cells showed signs of inflammation throughout the body, along with a decrease in molecules that protect DNA from damage.

The changes were noticed after covering 40 km, and were more pronounced among runners who participated in 171 km races.

Scientists predicted that athletes would lose the largest number of red blood cells, and that significant damage would accumulate as the distance traveled increased.

Travis Nimkoff, the lead researcher in the study published in the journal "Blood Red Cells & Iron," said: "Participating in such races can cause general inflammation in the body and damage to red blood cells."

Nemkov added: "At some point between marathon distance and ultramarathon distances, the damage begins to become clearly visible."

He explained: "We do not know how long it takes the body to repair this damage, nor whether this damage has a long-term effect, nor whether this effect is positive or negative."

Angelo D'Alessandro, one of the study's authors from the University of Colorado Anschutz, said: "This study shows that very strenuous exercise drives red blood cells toward accelerated aging through mechanisms similar to those we observe during blood storage ."

Scientists hope that further studies will help develop strategies to improve athletic performance or reduce the potential negative effects of intense endurance exercise.