Q&A #78 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (2/07/26)
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In this Q&A, Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses child nutrition, osteoporosis, cholesterol-lowering supplements, her skincare routine, and fasting versus prioritizing protein.
Timestamps include:
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Q: What does your child's diet look like?
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Q: Should you take breaks from supplements?
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Q: Can supplements lower cholesterol without statins?
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Q: Does prioritizing protein conflict with fasting for autophagy?
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Q: What's your current skincare routine?
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Q: Are ceramic-coated cookware products safe?
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Q: Can lifestyle changes slow or reverse osteoporosis?
We originally put this oral health deep dive together for the Crowdcast session, but ran out of time, so we're sharing it here as bonus show notes for you:
What matters most for long-term oral health – and why it impacts your whole body
Oral health is not just about a bright smile. It plays a central role in overall well-being and health. Tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral infections can extend beyond the mouth and contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.[1] Prevention starts with cleaning your teeth and eating a healthy diet, but it does not stop there. Other lifestyle choices that are often overlooked in this context also play an important role.
Untreated tooth decay is the most common global health condition. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; author: Lancet; file: TheLancet_Oral_Health_Series_tooth_decay.jpg
Why brushing your teeth is about more than removing food particles
Brushing does more than sweep away visible food particles. Its main purpose is to mechanically break up and remove the bacterial biofilm that forms on teeth. This biofilm, often called plaque, can drive both cavities and periodontal disease (infection and inflammation that can destroy teeth-supporting tissue).
The toothpaste you use also matters. Fluoride toothpaste has strong clinical evidence supporting its ability to reduce tooth decay across age groups.[2] Higher fluoride concentrations lead to greater reductions, especially in people at elevated risk. Fluoride strengthens enamel (the outermost protective layer of the teeth), supports remineralization, and makes teeth more resistant to acid. This protective effect is particularly important at night, when decreased salivary flow during sleep reduces overall acid buffering capacity.
Periodontal disease is the umbrella term for all gum diseases, including early, reversible gingivitis. Periodontitis is the advanced, irreversible stage of periodontal disease that involves bone loss, causing tooth-supporting structures to break down. Adapted from the file: Depiction_of_a_Periodontitis_patient.png; Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; author: MyUpchar
While fluoride remains the most extensively studied toothpaste ingredient for preventing tooth decay, it is not the only option.[2] Another ingredient that has gained attention in recent years is hydroxyapatite. This calcium phosphate mineral forms the structural backbone of bones and teeth and provides hardness and strength to enamel. Systematic reviews suggest that it may be similarly effective to fluoride in preventing cavities.[3]
- ^ D'Aiuto, Francesca; Suvan, Jeanie; Siripaiboonpong, Nisachon; Gatzoulis, Michael A.; D'Aiuto, Francesco (2025). The Root Of The Matter: Linking Oral Health To Chronic Diseases Prevention International Journal Of Cardiology Congenital Heart Disease 19, .
- ^ a b Marinho, Valeria Cc; Higgins, Julian; Logan, Stuart; Sheiham Deceased, Aubrey (2003). Fluoride Toothpastes For Preventing Dental Caries In Children And Adolescents The Cochrane Database Of Systematic Reviews 2016, 11.
- ^ Pawińska, Małgorzata; Paszynska, Elzbieta; Amaechi, Bennett T.; Meyer, Frederic; Enax, Joachim; Limeback, Hardy (2024). Clinical Evidence Of Caries Prevention By Hydroxyapatite: An Updated Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Journal Of Dentistry 151, .
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Beginning of Q&A
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Q: Is omega-3 absorption different in liquid vs. capsule form? 1
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Q: What are your thoughts on pro-resolving mediators? 1
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Q: Are full-spectrum omega supplements beneficial?
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Q: Should you take breaks from supplements? 1
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Q: Which sulforaphane brand do you recommend? 1
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Garlic 1
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Berberine 1
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Probiotics 1
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Niacin 1
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Weight loss 1
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Q: Which supplement brands do you prefer?
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Q: Do all carbohydrates form advanced glycation end products? 1
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Q: Does autophagy happen during sleep? 1
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Q: What impact do cheat meals have? 1
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Q: What do you think about ProLon's fasting-mimicking diet? 1
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Q: What do you think about cosmetic procedures like microneedling?
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Q: Should we be concerned about cortisol spikes with fasted exercise?
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Q: Which collagen brand do you use? 1
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Q: Do you support a food-first approach?
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Q: What do you think about cast-iron cookware?
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Q: Should vitamin D3 be paired with magnesium and vitamin K2?
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Watch previously recorded Q&As with Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Q&A #77 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (1/17/26)
Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses supplement timing, exercise timing, supplements in older adults, folic acid vs. folate, and hydrogen-rich water.
Q&A #76 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (12/06/25)
Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses protein needs, choline in pregnancy, urolithin A, melatonin's benefits and risks, and creatine's effects on liver health.
Q&A #75 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (11/01/25)
Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses joint aging prevention, avoiding heavy metals in protein, reducing migraines, nicotinamide for skin, and minimizing jet lag.
Q&A #74 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (10/11/25)
Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses stroke risk, eczema, immune resilience, her new smoothie recipe, and whether everyone should cut out gluten.
Q&A #73 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (8/16/25)
Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses iron imbalances, urolithin A, NAD+ boosters, vitamin K2 and hormone replacement therapy in women.