Q&A #38 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (8/06/2022)

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In this Q&A, Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses reconciling conflicting protein intake advice, NAD+ and cancer, and PCSK9 gene inhibition. Timestamps include:
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Protein intake and longevity
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How to reconcile conflicting protein intake advice from scientists
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Whether mTOR pathways that stimulate muscle growth also promote cancer growth
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If vegetarian protein sources have enough leucine to stimulate muscle protein synthesis
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Recommendations for high-leucine protein powders
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Whether or not exercise benefits people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease via the newly discovered mobile mitochondria in the bloodstream
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Which creatine supplements are best for maintaining muscle function in older adults
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Rhonda's thoughts on the PCSK9 gene editing clinical trial
How to reconcile conflicting protein intake advice from scientists?
"For individuals who are overweight or obese, focusing on calorie restriction to lose weight is more critical for improving longevity than prioritizing protein intake."- Dr. Rhonda Patrick Click To Tweet
Protein intake recommendations can be surprisingly different, even between renowned experts such as Dr. Valter Longo and Dr. Stuart Phillips, who have both shared their insights on the FoundMyFitness podcast. However, when viewed in the context of their research focuses and target audiences, their approaches become clearer—and their recommendations may not be as different as they first appear.
Dr. Valter Longo recommends protein intake of 0.68 to 0.79 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for people under the age of 65, which is even lower than the current RDA.[1] However, his perspective often addresses public health concerns, where the obesity epidemic must be taken into account. A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that in 2021, 75.9% of males and 72.6% of females in the United States were overweight or obese, and without intervention, this number is projected to exceed 80% by 2050.[2]
For individuals who are overweight or obese, focusing on calorie restriction to lose weight is more critical for improving longevity than prioritizing protein intake.
Protein needs are best determined based on fat-free mass rather than total body weight, as fat mass is largely metabolically inactive and primarily serves as a storage depot. Since overweight or obese individuals typically consume far more calories than needed, their protein intake is already higher than required for their ideal weight.
Sex-specific prevalence of obesity, by age group, in 2021 in the USA. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01548-4
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Beginning of Q&A
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Q: Rhonda's thoughts on Viome's microbiome test
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Q: Protein intake and longevity
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Q: How to reconcile conflicting protein intake advice from scientists
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Q: Do mTOR pathways that stimulate muscle growth also promote cancer growth?
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Q: Do vegetarian protein sources have enough leucine to stimulate muscle protein synthesis?
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Q: Recommendations for high-leucine protein powders
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Q: Does exercise benefit people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease via the newly discovered mobile mitochondria in the bloodstream? 1
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Q: Rhonda's comments on a recent study suggesting cereal fiber is healthful, but too much plant fiber may be harmful. 1
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Q: Are there nutrient differences or safety concerns with canned salmon compared to fresh or frozen?
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Q: Rhonda's thoughts One Skin – a skin cream that claims to reduce senescent cells.
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Q: Does supplementing with oral hyaluronic acid benefit the skin?
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Hydrolyzed collagen topic page 1
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Q: Can you supplement with both sulforaphane and moringa?
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Q&A with Dr. Jed Fahey on Sulforaphane, Moringa and Chemoprotection 1
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Q: Refrigerated vs shelf stable probiotics
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Q: Do dairy foods block polyphenol absorption?
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Q: What are the different forms of EPA and DHA?
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Q: What one thing done during pregnancy can have the biggest positive impact on the baby?
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Q: How do the CocoaVia cardio and memory products differ?
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Q: Which creatine supplements are best for maintaining muscle function in older adults?
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Q: Rhonda's thoughts on the PCSK9 gene editing clinical trial.
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Q: What is an optimal serum vitamin D level?
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Q: Rhonda's salmon roe source
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Watch previously recorded Q&As with Dr. Rhonda Patrick

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Q&A #65 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (12/7/24)
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