Omega-3 Deficiency in Vegans Causing Mental Decline | Dr. Joel Fuhrman Response 

Nobody gave a crap about what I ate until I changed to a whole food plant based lifestyle. Many years have passed and it was painfully obvious at my 40 year reunion who was healthy vs. who was not.

So many people have various deficiencies but it’s always vegans who are called out.

Mic, I appreciate your willingness to show that these are complex topics and not act like you have all the answers

My mother was mentally sharp to the end of her life at 98. She had been vegetarian for 67 years. No fish oils or algae supplements. I suspect there is a genetic factor in why some don't have cognitive decline. She still taught dance up to 95 then covid ended the classes. She still continued to learn new dances on line.

Several years ago, I learned from Dr. Greger that, while getting in Omega 3s has benefits, the bigger objective is lowering or eliminating consumption of specific types of inflammatory omega 6s found in animal based foods, highly processed foods, and most of the cooking oils.

As a non vegan I rarely ate anything with Omega-3 anyway. Guaranteed I get more as a vegan.

I was vegetarian for ten years before going vegan. Been vegan now for 12 years. Vegetarian gave me anaemia after a couple or years. I fixed my diet. Two years ago I noticed I was having trouble going down stairs in the morning. I'm a retired RN. It was Parkinsons Disease symptoms. I was devastated. A month later I'm listening to the Food Revolution and someone said about omega 3 and DHA and senility and Parkinsons Diseases in old vegans. So two days after starting the algae capsules all my symptoms went and remain going a year later. Obviously I am an individual and this is not science based but I thanks everyone mentioning this issue as it existed for me and I had no idea.

old woman that's been a vegan for decades - not too many people my age have my excellent health or mental acuity ...

Summary: 1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the most common (up to 70% in omnivores) omega-3 fatty acid in the human diet (up to 100% in Vegans). 2. Consuming preformed DHA (fish, algae, etc.) blocks the conversion of ALA to DHA in the Liver (see study below) 3. ALA converts to LPC DHA in the liver, the form best used for the brain. 4. Preformed (TAG) DHA (fish, algae) mostly increases red blood cell DHA, not brain DHA like LPC DHA does 5. Higher DHA in the Omega 3 Index, may be a better indicator of how much DHA is NOT reaching the brain 6. Consuming preformed DHA may result in less DHA uptake by the brain 2024 Study: Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) downregulates liver DHA synthesis by inhibiting eicosapentaenoic acid elongation "In conclusion, we identify a novel feedback inhibition pathway where dietary DHA downregulates its liver synthesis by inhibiting EPA elongation." 2009 Study: Alpha-linolenic acid and its conversion to longer chain n3 fatty acids: Benefits for human health and a role in maintaining tissue n3 fatty acid levels "inclusion of dietary DHA dramatically reduces the accumulation of d5-DHA, including a 40% reduction in brain and in liver" 2021 Study: Potential role of hepatic lipase in the accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by the brain “Our laboratory has demonstrated that dietary LPC-DHA enriches brain DHA efficiently, whereas dietary free DHA and triacylglycerol (TAG) DHA at equivalent dose have virtually no effect on brain DHA content” “These results suggest that HL (liver-produced hepatic lipase) activity may be the major source for the generation of LPC-DHA in the plasma necessary for transport into the brain…” 2020 Study: Plasma BDNF is a more reliable biomarker than erythrocyte omega-3 index for the omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of brain "The commonly used erythrocyte omega-3 index is not suitable for brain because of the involvement of unique transporter at the blood brain barrier (BBB)." "(LPC)-DHA significantly increases brain DHA, which results in an increase of brain BDNF" Bonus: ALA also elevates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (not just DHA) 2015 Study: The plasma levels of BDNF and MDA significantly (P 

Everyday in my oatmeal I add one tbsp chia seed, one tbsp hemp seed, and two tbsp ground flax seed. This should just about cover my needs for all of this. Just to be sure, I do take one algae pill a day (serving size is 2, I take one), just to cover my butt. The seeds can be purchased in bulk and also provide healthy proteins

This video made me sign up for your Patreon👏This was just an excellent review of the science with an honest take. Such a rarity. I appreciate you!

Let's face it- lack of B12 was also an issue, causing elevated homocistine levels. B12 deficiency is common in meat eaters as well.

My takeaway: A hundred year old vegan might get dementia because they’re super old.

Plant based Omega-3 sources Chia seeds Brussels sprouts Algal oil Hemp seed Walnuts Flaxseed Perilla oil Microalgae oil

Not even vegan but love Mic's videos. One of the best on youtube in regards to nutrition.

Walnuts. Like only 22 grams of walnuts. It fits flat in your hand. Walnuts people, walnuts.

This is a really professional and thorough presentation. Thanks. I had just watched the doc's video yesterday. I too decided years ago to supplement because of Dr. Greger.

Great episode, as usual, Mic. I wondered if you could come to a recommendation beside "it's probably a good idea" because I haven't been able to. Sounds like we're on exactly the same page.

Thanks for the great video! I take this topic very seriously. Dr. Lisa Mosconi, who does a lot of research of dementia, really emphasizes DHA for brain health. Since I read her book, I take my supplements (algae EPA and DHA) in addition to eating enough ALA from plant foods (ground flax seeds, nuts and seeds). Dr. Ronda Patrick also explains a lot about the importance of DHA for brain health.

Also, I heard no citation from Dr. Fuhrman to prove what he's claiming. Direct studies would be necessary to determine, FIRST, what levels are needed for brain health. We don't even have a benchmark for blood tests. So, let's take a step back and demand research be done before we start making recommendations for people's diets.

I get a lot of jokes when I tell people I switched to a plant based diet 2 years ago and then they tell me all the reasons it's a bad idea. Of course they have no evidence, only stories and podcasts to tell me about. All I tell them is that at 58 my bloodwork is better than it has ever been (including Omega), I have lost fat, built muscle and I am not on any medications. Thanks Mic for posting honest and science based content. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Mike, I saw that interview with Dr. Fuhrman. I've been doing the Dr. Brooke Goldner smoothie protocol with a half cup of flax every morning. She swears supplementation isn't necessary, like a lot of plant based doctors. Have you covered her work? I'd be interested to hear you talk about whether her diet protocol which includes unlimited avocados and flax affects blood viscosity and endothelial function, especially during workouts (with all that fat sloshing around in the blood). Cheers

Dr Colin Campbell and Dr Caldwell Esellstyn are 90, sharp as a tack and still traveling, doing seminars and citing studies. Although Dr John McDougall passed recently at 77, he was still doing a live show and remembering dates and complicated medical terms and studies just days before he passed. I’ve been pbwf for 7 1/2 years and at almost 70, my brain is working fine.

Mike, I tried Dr. Fuhrman’s DHA and other vegan DHA supplements, and I will never try another again because each caused me all over painful body hives. That’s a reaction others can get too, due to the presence of bacteria. I’m going to stick to my vegan 🌱 diet, eat at least 1/4 cup of flax per day and hope for the best!

Years and years of wonderful plant-based cruelty-free foods and my brain is in tip-top shape. And living aligned with my morals is Priceless. Dropping needless violence is everything. Vegan 4 Life

Still going to be vegan. Dont care about health really just care about not taking life from animals. ❤

maybe he means well but i don't trust any supplement salesman

This is the first video of your's I've watched in a long time. I've been watching your videos on and off for about 10 years. You haven't aged a day! Your skin, hair, energy... You're looking great. Thanks for your high quality content.

As a caregiver to my 90 year old mother with vascular dementia, I'm in touch with lots of people in the same situation. My mother ate a rather healthy Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fish, all her life and her onset was at 85 after isquemias due to Covid. However in the groups I'm in, who are mostly American, nobody reports their patients having eaten plant based or Mediterranean, and their age of onset is much earlier, and their symptoms much more extreme. So I do think in my mother's case, her diet had a protective effect.

I take a vegan omega supplement because i took one when i wasnt plant based and it helped my hormone cycles. I didnt want to lose that so i continue to take them. I know that anecdotal but its made a difference for me ✌️ultimately do what you feel is best for you and be as informed as you can to make that decision.

I take DHA supplement as insurance, but I also strength train twice a week because I think it's actually more important for brain health. I've listened to podcasts by Dr Andy Galpin (not plant based) who talks a lot about the link between sarcopenia (loss of muscle) and dementia and how strength training increases BDNF.

Interesting how with both Dr Vetrano and Dr Shelton, two of the mentors Fuhrman mentions here, there is a strong B12 connection. Dr Vetrano believed B12 deficiency was a myth and wrote about it, and Dr Shelton had extremely low B12 levels when he was older. All of these people, including Dr Joy Gross, were also very involved with natural hygiene, fasting for health, and forms raw foodism.

I guess I'm a nerd but this is a satisfying watch, no controversy no drama, just an extensive literature review that leaves much to be answered. It's really interesting to me to wonder about what is really going on inside our bodies and whether we will be able to find out. Your blood thinning -> blood flow hypothesis is great.

The best talk I have heard on RU-vid is by Dr Tim Radak on whether vegans should supplement with Omega 3. Non biased and very informative on this subject. I have watched it several times.

Plasma, urine, and adipose tissue biomarkers of dietary intake differ between vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet groups in the Adventist Health Study-2. J Nutr. Published online February 15, 2019. “Vegans had a higher proportion of total Omega-3 fatty acids (2.1% compared with 1.6%) (P < 0.0001) compared with non-vegetarians.”

I was vegan for 5 years after struggling with my health on my last year being vegan, I went being pescatarian, my health improved, and I was probably missing some omega3 , I did use algea omega 3 supplement as vegan and it didn't help, I think that genetically some people don't absorb omega 3 so well from plant based source, it's just a theory.

I remember Dr Fuhrman saying that Herbert Shelton had an extremely low B12 level when he was very old (the lowest he had ever measured or something). So that's a cofounding factor right there.

2013 Study: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vegetarian diets "Vegetarians do not exhibit clinical signs of DHA deficiency…"

I would take them (and did for years) but the main reason I stopped was the cost. Despite the relatively modest cost, when money gets tight the "ehhh maybe its doing something?" line item is the first to get cut. I might start again at some point though. 🤷

My vegan diet includes daily intake of walnuts (high in omega 3 & lecithin) and my hair has been healthy and hip bone length for years.

I appreciate your honesty, and how deep you dive into these topics.

These doctors wouldn't be boomers. They'd probably be Bob Hope generation. As such, there's high lead exposure (from gas in cars since 1920s), and did they serve in WW2? For that generation, if they lived long enough by avoiding CVD and Cancers, dementia would just be the default way to go.

Excellent and much needed breakdown on Omega 3 supplementation for us plant based folks! Thanks!

I asked my doctor for the omega index test recently. He hadn’t heard of it and he wasn’t able to order it because it didn’t exist in his computer system 😝

Nicocado definitely became very unhealthy after he stopped being vegan, he started binging on unhealthy processed fast foods etc so nothing he says can be taken seriously i'm pretty sure he just did it for the clicks and money, Miley Cyrus was also on a lot of drugs so i'm not really sure she can blame her vegan diet for "brain fog" and not all the drugs she was on. That being said, i started taking an omega 3 supplement a few years ago, i didn't really notice any difference but i'm only 33 years old but have been vegan for 15 years now, maybe i'm just not at the age where i would notice a difference anyways.

I've been doing a deep dive into the effects of endotoxemia and found that omega-3s are necessary for the production of intestinal alkaline phosphatase or ALPI for short. ALPI converts endotoxin LPS (diphosphoryl lipid A) into a less harmful form (monophosphoryl lipid A) which could be a major asset in preventing said mental decline, which is often associated with endotoxin-related inflammation. Vitamin E is another important one as well that negates the effects of postprandial endotoxemia *and* hyperlipidemia, which could explain why nuts rich in Vitamin E, of all fat sources is shown to prevent heart disease. Fat sources in general are avoided by the most hardcore WFBP advocates which contain these two things, so it could explain some of this. Regardless, vegans as a whole are at a much lower risk of mental decline in old age, but this could definitely be something to look at anyways.

Over 25 yr vegan b4 the supplement craze still alive & thriving

Love the thoroughness of your research and the objectivity, Mic! Great topic that's been sorely in need of further exploration.

Supplementation with DHA and the psychological functioning of young adults Cambridge University Press Published in the British Journal of Nutrition “A total of 285 young adult females took 400 mg of (Algae) DHA, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, for 50 days. After 50 days, recently acquired information was more likely to be forgotten by those who had consumed (algae oil) DHA (than the placebo).” “The active capsules contained…oil derived from microalgae…”

This guy feels like a snakes oil salesman within the plant-based community. He made several DHA claims a while ago (he sells highly overpriced DHA supplements btw), but was heavily put in his place by Jeff Nelson from Vegsource by the actual science, which he even acknowledged. But here he is again.

Thanks for the video! It sucks that epadha is both just insurance and an expensive supplement

I get a mental boost from having algae oil but it is nothing compared to the mental clarity I get when having ground flaxseed. I only really have algae oil because I am too lazy to add flaxseed to my diet.

Your videos are so amazing Mic ! Can you make a video about taurine ? Do you recommend to taking them - for men & women ? It would be a very interesting topic🐣

Thanks for providing the links to the cited studies. That's really helpful.

2023 Study: Plasma Phospholipid Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Associations with Neurocognition "...significant positive correlation of EPA% with continuous performance test scores" but "no detection of any significant associations between DHA% and any neurocognitive outcome measures"

Thanks for doing the research Mic, that was a rabbit hole and half. 😊

Thanks for recommending it’s a good insurance policy to be taking these medium to lower doses of omegas and agreeing with Dr. Fuhrman that its’s probably a good idea to supplement as well as disclosing you are working with a supplement that does contain these long chain omegas.

Such a complex topic. There are SO many variables just like you mentioned. Interestingly enough, some of the top experts on Alzheimer’s and studying Blue Zone people state there has been scientific proof that disease and its cognitive relatives is much lower in those who eat a vegan diet. I don’t know much about that doc arguing most of his patients were deficient but I do know that lifestyle, race, genetics, socio-economic status, culture and literal diet play a huge part. I wonder if he even took note of any of that. Perhaps he was giving bad nutritional advice or they were in a poorer area where those people weren’t eating correctly on a regular basis?

Is there an expectation of immortality when one goes Vegan?

The best thing you can do to prevent dementia in later life is a meditation practice and also regular aerobic exercise.

Given how 'studies' are funded now, I'd be suspicious of anything. Mental deficiencies are increasing all over.

Hi Mike , I am a bit of a scatterbrain so with long paragraphs it feels like I have to cough.. fish for conclusions. Would you clearly repeat/state your conclusions as a summary section of your video or in the description?

I love and follow this doctor, but he does sell supplements which may be colouring his opinions and recommendations.

Very thorough as usual. We could "brain" (no pun intended) also on this trail: supposed you're in a well meshed social group (like the blue zones where no supplements were recorded being taken) with a strong spiritual component also. Would this enhance the DHA/EPA uptake in the brain for some reason? Or mitigate that you can make do with less because your endorphins and other happy chemicals enhance uptake of the little omega 3 that you have? I'm with Dr. T.C. Campbell--we are a symphony of intracasies, fearfully & wonderfully made.

Aah so happy with all this info! thanks for the hard work 🎉

Thank you for your tenacity in following up. It’s an important topic. I’m on the fence since I have family history of atrial fibrillation and omega 3 supplements have been shown to increase risk of AF. But maybe at the low levels you recommended there’s minimal AF risk, not sure

Thanks for the information. Staying physically and mentally active will help. I'm sure that daily meditation or doing relaxation techniques will also be useful.

I believe Dr. Fuhrman is talking about the newest Adventist data, which was corroborated by the study researcher on The Proof Podcast recently where vegans had the same hazard risk as the meat eaters (still unpublished).

Dr. Fuhrman may not be right about some things. No one is perfect. I became WFPB because of him and it has changed my life and my health. He has done plenty of his own research. He is not a god just someone that shows the way. Take what you can from anyone willing to share and use it for your betterment. Learn and grow.

Thank you Mic for another great video! ❤

Great video! It's really important to address Omega-3 deficiency in vegans and its potential link to mental decline. However, we should also consider other compounds that might contribute to this issue, such as choline. Choline is crucial for brain health and cognitive function, and its deficiency can also lead to mental decline. It would be beneficial to have more discussions around these nutrients to ensure a well-rounded understanding of vegan nutrition and mental health.

I was concerned about my B12 at my last blood draw my B12 was 750 just on nutritional yeast

Congrats on hitting 400k subs Mic!!!

I take DHA and EPA, and continue to listen to the debates.

I take a supplement since I read Dr. Greger recommended. That's all. It's no run taking supplements but I would need all of them even as a carnivore. Even b12, that my body never seemed to be able to absorb well anyway.

Looking forward to seeing you at Vegan Campout next week Mic

I ate a WFPB diet for years, hitting all the micros every day and including 15g walnuts and 2T flax seeds plus vegan Omega 3 supplement. My hsCRP was always high (up to 7.3 and one time down to 1.5). I finally gave in to my doctor's claim that if I added daily sardines, I could lower it. Three months later my hsCRP came in at 0.7. I'm now into my second three-month try. I will see if this was a fluke, or if sardines were the key. Total cholesterol was 166. I eat no other animal products or processed food.

I am always a little suspicious of Dr. Joel Fuhrman, was he the Dr that T. Collin Campbell disassociated himself from ?

I'm Vegan and I take Omega 3 fish oil supplements every night and sleep like a baby. I'm 48 and feel a lot more like 28! Exercise everyday and drink plenty of water, fruits, veggies, leafy greens and raw nuts. Delicious Plant-based protein shake. Feeling fantastic mentally and physically. The future is Vegan! 😊💙☮️🌍

I have always thought Dr. Fuhrman was a little off. He seems desperate to stand out from the plant based doctor crowd and create a profitable empire for himself.

Hi, what about algae powder as DHA EPA supplement, wouldnt it be a cheaper, more natural and more stable alternative to oil extract from algae? I only found the micro algae Schizochytrium powdered as dog food, but it should be ok for human consumption as well I guess. Any thoughts?

Fuhrman's omega-3 supplement has sunflower oil in it.

Mic, truly appreciate you. Thanks for getting into the weeds for us. Man, this stuff is complicated. Became vegetarian in 76 and vegan in 2012. It's been an intense learning process, mostly a self taught journey. I'm convinced plant based is right for me but of course I want to remain healthy, strong, active,, and alert for the duration.

I do wonder about the rancid issue....should they be refrigerated?

Greatly appreciate this video. It is difficult but very important to listen to the opposite school of thought to further learn about our choices. The APOE4 status, I imagine, also impacts whether or not any omega 3 and other supplementation would make a difference or perhaps cause harm.

Just a few walnuts.

If it would be true it is because of eating pesticides on fruits and veggies rather than from eating veggies itself. That’s why it is also important farmers become vegan and finding ways without using pesticides.

Not a fan of Fuhman. He's selling tons of supplements and is suspicious af with his advocate for omega-3. For me, evidence for Omega3 is so weak that I'll rather ignore

Mic, thank for this video, and for your research. About a year ago, I read about DPA, and began taking a DHA-EPA-DPA supplement. Do you have any info on, or an opinion on it?

How come nobody noticed the large amounts of dementia over thousands of years with all those billions of inland people who never ate a piece of fish?

Why not look up e3 live blue green algae. It’s great stuff.

I put a Tettnanger hop pellet in my green tea. Germans researchers decided that beer drinkers who drank beer with this hop had reduced Alzheimer's symptoms. Can you dig around and give your opinion? I know it sounds silly - Hops without the beer. I'm 71, and doing what I can to reduce all medical issues as I age. So far so good

I watched one video with this guy and got a bit of a yucky feeling from him. Personality-wise

I know I'm just N=1 but I found that Omega3 supplement with DHA more than EPA 2:1 ratio or more was very good for me for concentration. Also peas have ALA and show up on Cronometer

Living a long life 😭, modern hardship really destroyed what people understand as long life. Living to 80 is very young. Not old 😢

My best friend and his family are strict Seventh Day Adventists who lived Vegan. Strictly vegan. My seventh day adventist friends father was a doctor and strict vegan and he got Alzheimers disease and the family was devastated. Then his mother got alzheimers and passed. My friend gave up his religion and veganism. He is a meat eater. I'm a pescatarian and I take fish oil daily.

Beware of this greedy fur man... Ask Jeff Nelson, T. Colin Campbell..

Id make a great contender for a study. Ive had 3 tblspoons of flax everyday for a few years. Would be interesting to have omega 3 test. Im 65....vegan for a decade.

In the seventh day adventist community in loma linda blue zone it was the pesco-vegetarians that were out living the vegans. Who knows if it's just omega 3, it could also be taurine which is abundant in seafood and has been associated with longevity as well as neurological health.

What's the objection if you can take algae, which is vegan, for ω3?