If I have a hereditary weakness in breaking down branched-chain amino acids, what cofactors do I need to consider, and do I need to restrict my protein when losing weight? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #317

If I have a hereditary weakness in breaking down branched-chain amino acids, what cofactors do I need to consider, and do I need to restrict my protein when losing weight? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #317

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD June 19, 2023 Duration: 20:56

Question: If a person has a hereditary weakness for Branched Chain Amino Acid Catabolism would this impact the type of diet they might choose to loose weight? Should they limit protein if it will increase their need for nutrients like Biotin?What are all the possible cofactors we should consider supplementing to support Leucine catabolism?

Short Answer: Metabolizing branched-chain amino acids requires all B vitamins except folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride. If you have a genetic impairment in this pathway, then reducing branched-chain amino acid intake and doubling down on cofactors is important during weight loss because the pathway will be stressed more in the catabolic state.

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-plant-compounds-and 

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

  • Can plant foods and their phytochemicals be used to reduce arterial plaque?

  • How do I consume omega-3 without hurting my omega-6 status?

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This snippet is from the January 21, 2023 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included:

  • Can plant foods and their phytochemicals be used to reduce arterial plaque?

  • How do I consume omega-3 without hurting my omega-6 status?

  • Could carnitine help a fatty acid oxidation disorder?

  • Should anti-inflammatories be taken away from workouts?

  • How does vitamin C affect autoimmune disease?

  • Folate form and purines

  • Can methylene blue help the respiratory chain?

  • Best references for omega-3 and inflammation resolution?

  • Smoothies and blood sugar

  • Is transdermal magnesium oil effective for osteoarthritis?

  • Why do K2 and Mg help my nerve pain?

  • Should I separate my potassium benzoate and vitamin C supplements?

  • The best and most simple comprehensive micronutrient panel.

  • How much K2 is needed in pregnancy?

  • How do I accentuate the fasting-feeding cycle?

  • Could K2 help with environmental pollution?

  • Why do shoulders crack when we get older?

  • Why do I react poorly to anti-inflammatory foods?

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

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.
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