Analysis of energy restriction and physical activity on brain function: the role of ketone body and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Brain development is a complex process, and stimuli during this development period may modulate the functional maturation of the brain. It has been shown that environmental stimuli, such as physical activity habits, have a beneficial effect on brain development. Endurance exercise and prolonged fasting state are known to improve brain function including cognition. The exact mechanisms of exercise improving brain function are still unknown. However, it can be considered that energy restriction and stressful challenge induced by long-lasting physical exercise might cause direct effect on brain function. Upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ketone body caused by exercise might be considered as the mechanism of exercise on brain function. In the present study, we discussed on two main topics: “exercise and BDNF” and “exercise and energy restriction.”