18/12/2025
Can Ergothioneine and Exercise Work Together to Protect the Ageing Brain?
A new review explores the potential of combining ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant amino acid, with physical exercise to support cognitive health in ageing. Individually, both have shown benefits for brain function: ergothioneine accumulates in the brain and supports redox balance, inflammation control, and mitochondrial health, while exercise enhances neuroplasticity, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive performance.
Despite their complementary mechanisms, no studies have yet examined their combined effects on cognition. The review points to the need for future mechanistic studies, dose–response trials, and clinical interventions in at-risk populations to explore whether this dual approach may strengthen cognitive resilience with low risk.
Led by Prof Andrea B. Maier and colleagues, this work suggests that pairing nutritional and lifestyle strategies could open new, non-pharmacological avenues for healthy cognitive ageing.
🔍 Could combining targeted nutrition with exercise strengthen brain resilience as we age?
🔗 Read more: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1mGBH5aZoHnqg1