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? |  Masterjohn Q&A Files #304

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? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #304

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD December 12, 2022 Duration: 38:42

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.

This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access two other free samples using this link:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-cognitive-health-mct

In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions:

  • Does whey protein hurt the kidneys or otherwise hurt our health
  • Why would someone not tolerate methyl donors even if they need them?

If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda

Learn more about the Masterpass here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about

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:

  • 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
  • How do I reduce congestion while consuming dairy?
  • 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?


Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-september

Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

 


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
How can I protect against oxalates? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #324 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:33
Question: How can I protect against oxalates? Short Answer: Getting 300-400 mg calcium between food and supplements at each meal will minimize oxalate absorption. Maintaining postprandial urine pH in the 6.4-6.8 range by…
Methylene Blue in 10 Minutes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
Watch the full-length video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhgGGbdw4zE&t=8621s Get my free 51--page report, Methylene Blue: Biohacker's Delight or Playing With Fire?, here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/…
Methylene Blue: Biohacker's Delight, or Playing With Fire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:20
Get the written and referenced version here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/the-guide-to-methylene-blue This is a 51-page guide in which you will learn the following: The Origin of Methylene Blue The Entry of…
Why Would Citrate or Malate Cause Insomnia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
This is now subscribers-only and is available here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/why-would-citrate-or-malate-cause Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitom…
What to Do About Constipation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
This is now subscribers-only and can be accessed here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/what-to-do-about-constipation Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome…
How to slow or reverse graying of hair? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #321 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:17
Question: How to slow graying of hairs and potentially reverse it? Short Answer: What works for any given individual will likely be to find the weakest link and fix it, from among the following systems: the signaling of…
How Much Iron Can We Absorb At Once? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #320 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
Question: How much iron can we absorb at once? Short Answer: High-dose iron will produce more total absorbed iron, but will also leave more in the gut, which could cause constipation or disturb the gut microbiome. If des…