Evidence check: BDNF in the context of Sport

Evidence for BDNF (especially Val66Met) in a sport context is weak to moderate. BDNF is a neurotrophin upregulated by exercise, involved in neuroplasticity, memory, and mood. Some studies suggest that Met allele carriers may have a blunted exercise-induced BDNF increase, potentially affecting cognitive recovery or endurance adaptations. However, effect sizes are small, studies are heterogeneous, and most were done in healthy adults, not athletes. There is no robust evidence that BDNF variants predict athletic performance or justify specific supplementation (e.g., omega-3). The association with metabolic parameters (as in the cited T2D study) is not transferable to sport. Conclusion: BDNF genetic testing is not actionable for athletes. Focus on training and nutrition, not genetics.