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

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?

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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.