Dr. Rhonda Patrick - This is The Only Supplement that ACTUALLY Increases Lifespan

Life Expectancy & the Omega-3 Index (00:00:00)

• Not having a high omega-3 index is as detrimental to life expectancy as smoking.
• Low omega-3 index is linked to increased cardiovascular mortality.
• The average omega-3 index in the United States is 4-5%, while in Japan, it's 10-11%.
• People with an omega-3 index of 8% or higher have a five-year increased life expectancy compared to those with a low index of 4%.

How Long It Takes to Improve Your Omega-3 Index (00:06:49)

• It takes about three months to see a significant improvement in the omega-3 index after increasing intake through supplementation or dietary sources.
• The average person needs about two grams of omega-3 per day to increase their omega-3 index from 4% to 8%.
• Individual variation exists due to genetic differences in metabolizing omega-3s.

Omega-3s (EPA) for Cardiovascular Disease (00:10:41)

• A five-year trial (phipa) showed a 25% increase in heart attack or death from heart disease in people with existing cardiovascular disease who took EPA compared to placebo.
• Another trial that gave EPA and DHA to people with existing cardiovascular disease and were on a statin did not show a beneficial effect.
• The vital study showed a 28% reduction in heart attack risk in the group that took omega-3 (EPA and DHA) compared to placebo.

EPA vs DHA Omega-3s (00:16:23)

• DHA accumulates in mitochondria and cell membranes, while EPA directly affects inflammation.
• DHA is important for cell membrane fluidity, which affects nutrient transport, receptor function, and glucose transport.
• DHA deficiency can disrupt mitochondrial function, brain function, and energy production.

99% of People in the US Have Inadequate Omega-3 Intake (00:22:05)

• 99% of people in the US have inadequate omega-3 intake.
• Pregnant women should not avoid fish due to Mercury concerns as omega-3 is protective against Mercury toxicity.
• There is a recent resistance to Omega-3s, despite their well-established benefits.

Does the Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio Matter? (00:25:00)

• Getting enough omega-3 is more important than the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
• Omega-6 is important, but people often consume it from unhealthy sources like vegetable oil.
• The focus should be on increasing omega-3 intake rather than worrying about the ratio.

Omega-3s & Brain Health (00:27:47)

• Omega-3s are important for brain development and can increase plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• BDNF plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections.
• Neuroplasticity affects mental health and is linked to depression.
• Omega-3s also help existing neurons survive, promote neurogenesis (growth of new neurons), and enhance cognitive functions like learning and memory.

Effect of BDNF on Muscle (00:29:41)

• BDNF is not only important for the brain but also plays a role in muscle repair.
• Intense exercise increases the production of BDNF in muscles.
• BDNF helps repair muscle damage caused by stress and may be linked to the benefits of blood flow restriction (BFR) training.

Lactate (00:31:41)

• Lactate is generated during intense exercise when mitochondria can't produce enough energy.
• Lactate is not just a waste metabolite but also a signaling molecule.
• Lactate increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is beneficial for brain aging, cognition, and muscle repair.
• Lactate is used as an energy source by neurons, allowing glucose to be spared for glutathione synthesis, the brain's major antioxidant.
• Giving TBI patients sodium lactate improves outcomes by boosting BDNF, providing an energy source, and allowing glucose sparing for glutathione synthesis.

Rhonda's Fitness Routine (00:39:33)

• Rhonda emphasizes the importance of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for improving mental acuity, motivation, and overall well-being.
• HIIT can improve cognition in just 10 minutes.

Rhonda's BDNF Protocol (00:40:00)

• Rhonda has released a free BDNF protocol document that includes evidence-based strategies for increasing BDNF in humans.
• The protocol covers exercise intensity and duration, omega-3 dosage and duration, polyphenols, flavonoids, heat stress protocols, and personal protocols used by Rhonda.
• The document is available at bdnfprotocols.com.

Omega-3s & BDNF (00:41:13)

• Omega-3s directly increase BDNF levels.
• Omega-3s, particularly DHA, have been shown to affect performance and muscle mass.

Omega-3s & Muscle Growth (00:42:09)

• Omega-3s have shown promise in preventing muscle atrophy during injury or disuse.
• High doses of Omega-3s (4-5 grams) can reduce muscle loss by 50% in disuse atrophy.
• Preloading with Omega-3s for four weeks is necessary to achieve this effect.
• Omega-3s may also sensitize muscle cells to amino acids, enhancing muscle protein synthesis.
• Omega-3s have a favorable risk profile, reducing cardiovascular disease risk and increasing BDNF levels.
• A daily intake of 2 grams of Omega-3s is recommended to increase the Omega-3 index from 4% to 8%.

How High of a Dose Can You Take? (00:47:16)

• Doses of 4-5 grams of Omega-3s are generally considered safe.
• Higher doses (10+ grams) may increase the risk of arrhythmia, but this is not well-established.
• High doses of purified EPA in ethyl ester form may lower stroke risk but increase arrhythmia risk.
• The safety profile of triglyceride forms of Omega-3s is not yet fully understood.
• Caution is advised for individuals with existing cardiovascular disease and those taking certain medications.

How to Shop for an Omega-3 Supplement (00:49:31)

• Look for Omega-3 supplements in triglyceride form for better absorption and incorporation into cell membranes.
• If a doctor's prescription is required, consider Leesa (DHA/EPA), which is pure, concentrated, and bioavailable.
• Check third-party testing sites like ConsumerLab and International Fish Oil Standards for accurate concentration and low oxidation levels.
• Avoid supplements with total oxidation levels above 10.
• Choose brands that are tested for Mercury and PCB contamination.
• Refrigerate Omega-3 supplements after opening to prevent oxidation.
• Buy Omega-3 supplements directly from the consumer to ensure freshness.
• Consider affordable brands like Kirkland brand Omega-3s that still meet quality standards.

How to Store Omega-3s (room temp vs refrigerated) (00:52:56)

• Omega-3s are prone to oxidation, so refrigeration is recommended after opening.

Buy Direct to Consumer (00:53:10)

• Buying Omega-3 supplements directly from the consumer ensures freshness and prevents prolonged storage in warehouses.

Cod Liver Oil (00:54:15)

• Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A, which can be toxic at high doses.
• It is not a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Taking a small amount of cod liver oil occasionally can be beneficial for rounding out the nutritional profile.
• It should not be the sole source of vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids.