In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ocular nutrition with Professor John Nolan, exploring how specific nutrients can play crucial roles in preserving eye health, improving vision and supporting cognitive function.

With age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting millions globally, Professor Nolan sheds light on groundbreaking research showing how certain carotenoids—natural pigments found in plant foods—could impact eye health and perhaps even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

But what are these compounds exactly, and why are they so impactful?

Through in-depth clinical studies, Nolan has identified optimal nutrient formulations that could bridge the gap in conditions as diverse as macular degeneration and cognitive decline. He makes a compelling case for why the timing and quality of these interventions could matter as much as diet itself.

Finally, this episode goes beyond individual health to consider public health implications, particularly the need for better regulation in the supplement industry and enhanced nutritional education for medical practitioners.

• [01:20] Professor Nolan’s academic journey and early inspirations in vision science
• [02:12] Groundbreaking research on age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• [04:24] How carotenoids contribute to eye health and disease prevention
• [07:27] Expanding from eye research to exploring brain health connections
• [16:23] Overcoming challenges in developing effective nutritional supplements
• [20:57] The role of preventative nutrition in eye and cognitive health
• [27:28] Key findings from major human trials on carotenoids and vision
• [33:37] Evidence linking carotenoids to cognitive health and aging
• [42:53] Practical insights for medical practitioners on using nutrition for eye health

Links:

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• Caretenoid supplement mentioned by Prof. Nolan: MacuPrime

In the world of sports nutrition, understanding how different supplements and nutrients impact not just physical performance but also cognitive function is rapidly gaining traction. Athletes are constantly seeking that competitive edge, and while many are familiar with the benefits of carbohydrates and caffeine for energy and focus, there’s much more at play.

Emerging research is highlighting the roles of compounds like creatine and omega-3s, not only for muscle recovery but also for brain health, particularly following traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Beyond the usual suspects of performance nutrition, intriguing compounds like theacrine and tyrosine are entering the conversation. With potential cognitive effects that range from improved focus to faster decision-making, these supplements have sparked interest but also raise questions.

How strong is the evidence behind these claims, and where do we draw the line between scientific promise and practical application? How do we apply the science in real-world settings where perfect data may not exist?

This episode addresses these questions via the insights of Professor Shawn Arent of University of South Carolina.

• 01:44 – Dr. Arent’s key areas of research
• 04:03 – Defining and understanding cognitive performance in athletes
• 09:31 – The impact of carbohydrates on cognitive function and decision-making
• 29:00 – Protein, amino acids, and their role in cognitive function under stress
• 34:17 – How caffeine enhances cognitive performance: decision-making and reaction time
• 42:00 – Comparing the effects of theacrine and caffeine on cognitive and physical performance
• 44:48 – How caffeine dosing impacts sleep and recovery
• 46:55 – Theacrine, dynamine, and emerging supplements in sports performance
• 57:56 – Nicotine’s potential cognitive benefits and the associated risks for athletes
• 01:04:56 – Creatine and omega-3s: their roles in brain health and concussion recovery
• 01:13:05 – Navigating the challenges of applying research to real-world practice

Links:

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• Get research reviews from Dr. Eric Trexler and collegues

When discussing cardiovascular health, few topics stir as much debate as cholesterol, particularly in relation to low-carb and ketogenic diets. Recently, there’s been significant attention given to a proposed model that suggests high LDL cholesterol may not pose the same cardiovascular risk in certain individuals, specifically those labeled as “lean mass hyper-responders.” This raises important questions: Is it possible that high cholesterol might not be dangerous for everyone? Or are we witnessing a dangerous misinterpretation of the science?

In this episode, we break down the ideas behind the “lipid energy model” and explore how it has been framed in the context of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets. While proponents claim this model sheds light on how some people can have elevated LDL without increasing heart disease risk, critics warn that miscommunication and oversimplification of these ideas are leading many down a dangerous path. With real-world health decisions hanging in the balance, it’s crucial to carefully examine what the science truly says about cholesterol, inflammation, and heart disease.

Join us as we dive into the evidence with Dr. Gary McGowan. We’ll dissect what the current research supports, what remains speculative, and how social media has amplified both the promising and problematic aspects of this model. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of high cholesterol on heart disease risk in the context of ketogenic or low-carb diets, this episode is essential listening.

• 02:27 What are the “Lean Mass Hyper Responder” phenotype and the “Lipid Energy Model”
• 27:29 Looking at recent publications and the “KETO Trial”
• 47:06 Public communication and misinterpretation
• 51:18 Clinical implications of diet-induced dyslipidemia
• 55:14 Responsibility in scientific communication
• 57:30 Real-world examples of poor communication or misinterpretation
• 01:13:27 Ethical concerns with the promotion of the model
• 01:25:59 Final thoughts

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• Find Dr. McGowan at:
  • Triage Method
  • Instagram: @drgarymcgowan
• Papers discussed in this episode:
  • Norwitz et al., 2022 – The Lipid Energy Model: Reimagining Lipoprotein Function in the Context of Carbohydrate-Restricted Diets
  • Norwitz et al., 2021 – Elevated LDL Cholesterol with a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet: Evidence for a “Lean Mass Hyper-Responder” Phenotype
  • KETO Trial: Budoff et al., 2024 – Carbohydrate Restriction-Induced Elevations in LDL-Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis