Does glucose handling in the brain decline with age? And if so, does this serve as a rationale to supplement with MCT oil to prevent cognitive decline?
This is a question asked live during the September 14, 2022 AMA.
Short Answer: Energy metabolism in general declines across the body with aging, but energy metabolism seems to stay healthy enough in the brain in people who do not experience cognitive decline. Cognitive decline does appear to be driven by decreases in brain energy metabolism, but these are not best described as a specific impairment in glucose handling. MCT oil can be modestly beneficial and a ketogenic diet can probably be somewhat more beneficial in people who have cognitive decline from any type. There is no evidence to support using it as a preventative. For prevention, I believe we should focus on aerobic fitness, nutrients required for healthy energy metabolism and antioxidant defense, and maintaining metabolic health with a healthy body composition and a healthy physical activity routine that includes the proper spread of a portfolio of different types of exercise.
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This snippet is from the September 14, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what’s included:
Ask Me Anything | September 14, 2022
Cognitive health, MCT oil, claimed harms of whey protein, methyl donor intolerance, iron metabolism, balancing fat-soluble vitamins, time limits to high-dose supplements, water and hunger, and more.
The questions include:
Why isn't my ferritin as high as diabetics when my transferrin saturation is higher?
Why are vitamins A and E needed alongside D and K?
Sunflower lecithin versus phosphatidylcholine supplements
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Could eggs be raising triglycerides by curing fatty liver?
Why would homocysteine ever be high when you can just use it to make glutathione?
Why did my eye start twitching after sweating more than usual this weekend?
Why do I now think A and D should be in roughly 1:1 ratios?
Would MK-7 be enough to take with D or do I need MK-4?
Why does water make me hungry?
What's the proper ratio of calcium to magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2?
Is it safe to take zinc carnosine long term?
Why did I recommend only using high-dose zinc for COVID protection for one year?
Why did I recommend limiting quercetin phytosome to three months?
Why take MK-4 when it has such a short half-life?
How to make bowel movements more regular?
Could freeze dried animal beef supplements cause gut infections?
Do I recommend food sensitivity testing?
What are the nutritional causes of restless leg syndrome?
What do I think of drinking deuterium-depleted water for COVID severity?
Disclaimer
I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. My goal is to empower you with information. Please make all health decisions yourself, consulting sources you trust, including a caring health care professional.
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Does glucose handling in the brain decline with age? And if so, does this serve as a rationale to supplement with MCT oil to prevent cognitive decline?