Sigma Nutrition Radio

Folate (also known as viatmin B9) actually relates to a collection of folates; both natural dietary folates and synthetic forms, primarily folic acid. This folate/folic acid that is consumed via the diet or supplementation is a precursor for the formation of tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is a carbon donor and acts a cofactor for a number of enzymes that play important roles in several processes. In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the role of folate in the methlyation cycle, the impact of folate insufficiency/deficiency, genetics variatnts of the MTHFR gene (and other genes) that impact folate metabolism, and the impact of folate on health outcomes; including heart disease, birth defects, cancer, and brain health & cognition. Detailed study notes and transcript to this episode

A recently published study by Klatt and colleagues examined the impact of choline supplementation alongside DHA supplementation, versus DHA supplementation alone, on DHA status in pregnancy. It is known that DHA is a critical nutrient at this time for healthy development of the child. And through a number of mechanisms discussed later, it has been hypothesized that choline could lead to greater DHA status. We discuss: What is the connection between choline and DHA? What is the PEMT pathway? Study design for the choline + DHA trial Are there risks of high-dose choline? Main findings of the trial How DHA status is not just a function of DHA intake, but also methyl metabolism too Issues with omega-3 trials; e.g. not taking baseline status into account Pragmatic recommendations for health professionals and patients Different forms of choline supplements Choline supplementation vs. food-derived choline Access the show notes here   Subscribe to Premium here

In this episode Alan and Danny aim to address the idea that you shouldn’t eat vegetables, or that they aren’t beneficial. We will specifically look at a number of claims that relate to: The claim that vegetables aren’t beneficial for health, or that there is no health benefit to high vegetable intake. The claim that vegetables are actually detrimental to health, and their removal improves health. This episode was orignally published to Sigma Nutrition Premium. If you wish to get more of these Quack Asylum episodes (and lots of other features, including detailed study notes) then subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium. Click here to access show notes

This is an "ask me anything" (AMA) episode, with Prof. Stuart Phillips of McMaster University. Prof. Phillips takes questions on protein intake, sources, muscle function, and healthy ageing. To listen to the full AMA, click here to subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium. Questions answered:   [04.28] What is muscle protein balance? [05.32] Why is the focus always on muscle protein synthesis? [07.14] Is MPS a good proxy measure for outcomes we care about (e.g. muscle growth/repair)? [10.37] What's the difference between 'whole body protein synthesis' and 'muscle protein synthesis'? [12.57] We're starting to see commercially available whey that has been produced by bacteria engineered to synthesize whey protein directly from nutritional substrate. It seems like we should expect this to have directly comparable effects given the identical molecular structure. Is there any reason to think this bacterially synthesized whey will have any different effects that whey from dairy? [15.50] Does the literature still show that an additional dose of plant-derived protein is required to equate a similar response from animal protein? [26.39] During post-exercise conditions does protein ingestion stimulate MPS for longer than the usual 2-3 hour period reported in rested conditions? [27.49] Considering the growing interest in fasting protocols (both TRF and longer fasting protocols) - what would you recommend in these circumstances for the preservation / growth of muscle mass. Would it differ between IF/TRF and longer (1-3 day) fasts? [34.58] Is it a waste to take too much protein powder at once because some of it won't get absorbed? [42.50] Does protein powder lose some of its quality if boiling water is added due to protein denaturation? [47.05] Would you please share your opinion about how you evaluate protein status in the body? [50.51] I am now over 60 and lift heavy twice a week. What would be a reasonable body fat % for me to aspire to and how much daily protein should I be targetting in my diet? Subscribe to Premium  

Consuming a healthy diet during pregnancy is an obvious and accepted recommedation. However, what exactly is a "healthy diet" in this context? In addition, there are specific nutrients which are crucial for the healthy development of the child, including nutrients which may be difficult to consume enough of. In addition there are nutrients and foods that need to limited or avoided during this period. In this episode, researcher and dietitian Dr. Julie Abayomi discusses important nutrients in pregnancy (e.g. iodine, DHA, and folic acid), as well as potentially problematic nutrients/foods (e.g. high-mercury fish and caffeine). In addition, she discusses the current debates about weight gain/loss during pregnancy, as well as what supports are needed for health professionals supporting pregnant women. Click here for show notes Subscribe to Premium

It has become common rhetoric for those promoting various types of diets to suggest that dietary guidelines published by government departments are at best, unhealthy, or at worst, causative in driving obesity and chronic disease in the population. While different countries and organizations produce their own guidelines, with slight differences, most of the conversation has focused on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, that are created by the USDA. Often the claims is that following these guidelines actually harms health, rather than promote it. And the guidelines are simply a result of industry forces, long-standing bias, and shoddy science. But do these claims hold up to scrutiny? In this episode Alan and Danny look at some of the arguments put foward, and take a look at the science underpinning dietary guidelines in a number of countries. In this episode: [0.01.46] Examples of arguments put forward stating that it’s not healthy to follow dietary guidelines [0.12.50] History of the development of guidelines in the US & narratives around Ancel Keys [0.23.50] Misrepresentation of what the guidelines say [0.30.49] What are actually in the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans? [0.33.10] Changes to guidelines over time [0.36.05] Other countries’ guidelines: UK, Canada, Nordic countries [0.40.50] Investigating the rise in obesity/disease prevalence with the roll out of the guidelines [0.56.34] Do people follow the guidelines? [1.00.01] The negative role of the food industry [1.03.50] Potential issues with dietary guidelines Links: Subscribe to Premium Show notes to this episode

There have been many claims made about the benefits of a detoxification "protocol" or "plan", based on specific dietary and supplemental regimens. Many of the arguments propose that many things we come into contact with are toxins and they can accumulate and compound in effect over time, causing a range of issues. Therefore, by removing these toxins (via a “detoxification protocol”), we can have better health. And indeed it is well known that there are a large number of toxins in the environment, many of which can potentially be deleterious to health. And it also known that many nutrients are involed in processes of the body's detoxification pathways. However, is there any evidence that a detoxification diet, plan or "protocol" improves health? Is there any reason to suggest targeting certain nutrients or supplements leads to "better detoxification"? And do we need to avoid non-organic food, toothpaste and non-stick frying plans in avoid to avoid these toxins? This Quack Asylum episode evaluates these claims. Study notes available at sigmanutrition.com/detox/ Subscribe to Premium at sigmanutrition.com/premium/

Prof. David Jenkins, a leading expert in lipid-lowering diets, discusses innovative dietary strategies to manage LDL cholesterol. He introduces the Portfolio Diet, highlighting the benefits of soy protein, viscous fibers, nuts, and plant sterols. The conversation dives into the history of the glycemic index and its impact on nutrition. Jenkins also explores how viscous fibers help lower cholesterol and the significance of adopting a plant-based approach for health and sustainability. The potential of diet as an alternative to statins is a key takeaway in this enlightening dialogue.

Some cognitive decline is normal with age. However, more significant cognitive decline is primarily due to disease-induced dementias (such as Alzheimer’s Disease). It also results from neurodegenerative disorders and chronic, prolonged degeneration of our neuronal pathways and functions. Drug discovery for dementias have been largely unsuccessful, leaving no good treatments for this collection of diseases. This had led to research examining areas that may aid in preventing (or more accurately, slowing) cognitive decline. In this episode the Sigma team look at the published data on a variety of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns, including: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, caffeine, flavanoids, coffee and green leafy vegetables. Subscribe to Premium   [00:02:01] Definitions [00:08:40] What causes cognitive decline? Dementia? Mechanisms of ND pathogenesis. [00:11:33] Why might nutrition play a role? [00:18:18] Dietary patterns [00:26:30] Diet interaction with APOE genotype [00:31:18] Alcohol [00:36:36] Polyphenols - mechanisms [00:43:05] Coffee & Caffeine [00:45:03] Flavanoids [00:51:04] Vitamin D [01:04:22] Omega 3 fatty acids [01:21:42] B vitamins & green leafy veg [01:30:35] Vitamin E [01:38:24] How to assess cognitive health in ageing intervention studies [01:45:28] Concluding thoughts   Show notes to this episode Subscribe to Premium

The issue of genetic enginnering in the food system is one that is often charged with emotion and strong opinion. Indeed, there has been much concern voiced over the years about the potential harms to both human health and the environment of genetically-modified (or more accurately, genetically-engineered) crops. Some concern takes the form of outright hysteria, while other concerns are more nuanced and subtle. Among these concerns, which have good evidence to support them? What regulation is currently in place? Why are their differences between the US and the EU? On the opposite side, there are clear advantages to GE crops; including disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and even enhanced nutritional content. But are these advantages possible without harm? Do the pros outweigh the cons? In this episode, Alan and Danny discuss the current evidence on genetically engineered crops (or GMOs) and their effect on human health, biodiversity, and the economy. 02:02 – Framing of the GMOs debate 13:52 – Key definitions 20:34 – Where do GMOs show up in the food supply? And jurisdiction differences 33:40 – Impacts on human health and nutritional differences 45:16 – Impact on biodiversity 1:01:57 – What’s the deal with glyphosate herbicide? 1:05:34 – Concluding thoughts Access show notes for this episode Subscribe to Premium