Laboratory measures that reveal cell fragility and molecular wear point toward two forces at work: physical shear from high-volume blood flow and chemical damage driven by inflammation and reactive molecules. Both have consequences that reach past the finish line, shaping how quickly cells are replaced and how well the body maintains healthy function over time.
Understanding these effects matters for athletes, coaches, and anyone who cares about long-term health. Could training approaches, nutrition, or recovery strategies reduce cellular wear? The findings prompt new questions about how extreme exercise interacts with aging and inclusion in sport, and invite a closer look at ways to protect the tiny oxygen couriers that keep us moving.
Running extreme distances may strain more than just muscles and joints. New research suggests ultramarathons can alter red blood cells in ways that make them less flexible and more prone to breakdown, potentially interfering with how they deliver oxygen throughout the body. Scientists found signs of both mechanical stress from intense blood flow and molecular damage linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
