The following review, research, and supplements regarding Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s work on daily health and longevity and also applies for ApoE4 gene carriers.
ApoE4 carriers are estimated to make up about 20% of the total population.
A genetic test is needed to find out if someone carries the ApoE4 allele; this is most commonly performed with a saliva test.
Two of the most common good source/sources for this testing are popular genetic testing websites like 23andme or ancestry.com.
The exact number of people who carry the ApoE4 allele is currently unknown.
However, Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s studies estimate that it’s around 25% of the population.
On the other hand, the sample size of Rhonda’s paper may not be large enough to draw strong conclusions on this.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick is one of the leading researchers in the field of longevity.
She currently runs a podcast, during which she discusses the topic at length. Additionally, she has discussed these topics on other podcasts and interviews.
Below is a high-level overview of Dr Rhonda Patrick’s supplements & Brands that she is recommending!
Table of Contents
Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s Supplement List
To begin this review, here is an overview of Dr. Rhonda’s supplement list.
Dr Rhonda Patrick’s Daily Supplements Recommendations
- Multivitamin – Pure Encapsulations O.N.E: One capsule daily
- Vitamin D3 – Thorne Research: Two capsules daily
- Vitamin K2 – Thorne Research K2/D3 Drops: One drop every two to three days
- Fish Oil – Norwegian PURE-3 DHA: Six capsules daily
- Omega-3 Phospholipids: Four capsules daily
- Magnesium – Thorne Research: One capsule daily
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT DR. RHONDA USES AND RECOMMENDS
- Nicotinamide Riboside: Works to increase cellular mitochondrial function
- PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone): Used to increase cognitive ability temporarily
- Curcumin Phytosome: Works as a natural anti-inflammatory, which can be used as an alternative to ibuprofen
- Probiotics: Helps improve the health of bacteria in the abdomen
- Hydrolyzed Collagen: Improves health in the skin and joints
DR. RHONDA’S PREFERRED LIST OF NOOTROPICS
- Choline: Improves mental acuity and function
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Should be used especially for intense periods of cognitive function (e.g., difficult or intense work)
- Sulforaphane: Derived from broccoli sprouts. It has been linked to improved heart health and digestions.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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- Beet Powder: For individuals with high blood pressure (activz organic beet powder brand)
- Wild Salmon Roe Caviar: Organic source of DHA and EPA phospholipids
- Melatonin – Rhonda Patrick doesn’t supplement with melatonin, but she does suggest this as a strategy if you’re someone over 50 years of age (natural melatonin production goes down ), or if you have problem sleeping. Rhonda has recommended Life Extension brand
Few Other Mentions:
Resveratrol – Rhonda invited David Sinclair on her podcast and they were discussing the effects of Resveratrol. Since that time, she has posted a review of Resveratrol on her site. In her recent AMA (Ask Me Anything) discussion, she mentioned Resveratrol and saying that she doesn’t currently take it, but is considering this option in the future.
Coconut Milk – she mentioned that the reason she like coconut milk in her smoothies, rather than regular milk, is because milk has salivary proteins that bind to polyphenols and anthocyanins which limits their bioavailability.
Methylated B Vitamins – Swanson’s B Complex – Rhonda has recommended to family and to someone with MTHFR mutation
Metformin – Metformin has been extensively examined in humans for a few decades now. It is prescribed to be taken to fight type 2 diabetes. IIT become popular amongst enthusiasts to extend lifespan and healthspan. In a podcast with Kevin Rose, Rhonda talks about the metformin use for lifespan extension.
She mentioned that workout and exercise are more helpful at type 2 diabetes prevention than metformin by referring to a randomized controlled trial. She also challenges the metformin value for a healthy person who regularly exercises regularly.
Health & Longevity Supplement List
NICOTINAMIDE RIBOSIDE
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a recently discovered variation of vitamin B3.
NR works by increasing the amount of (NAD+) in the body.
NAD+ is a critical enzyme that is used within the mitochondria of every cell.
Aging, disease, and chronic inflammation naturally decrease the levels of NAD+ in our bodies.
The objective of this supplement to increase the amount of NR in the body, which will in turn increase NAD+.
As an added benefit, this should make your tissues, organs, and muscles function the way that they would in a younger person.
So far no exact recommendation Rhonda Patrick making in NAD Brand, but I am personally taking True Niagen duet to various research available and peopele behind the brand. Read my True Niagen Review.
MERIVA
This supplement can be used as an anti-inflammatory and substituted for more common medications like ibuprofen.
There is no debating that ibuprofen is an effective anti-inflammatory.
However, long term use of ibuprofen has been known to produce undesirable side effects.
Dr. Rhonda’s goal for substituting the supplement in place of a drug like ibuprofen is to enable long term use without the risks.
Additionally, this supplement can be made from turmeric root, which is comprised of an organic anti-inflammatory substance called curcumin.
In order to create the supplement, curcumin must be removed from the turmeric root and then concentrated.
The curcumin is mixed into a phospholipid to improve absorption and retention by our bodies.
The method by which this supplement decreases inflammation is unique.
Inflammation is an evolutionary survival mechanism that has been essential for humans. It assists us in fighting illness and healing injuries.
On the other hand, high inflammation, or swelling in places where it should not be, can be problematic or a sign of another problem.
The cytokine is a type of protein found in humans; its function is to monitor cell signals.
These cell signals increase or decrease swelling.
When cytokines have a problem with regulating inflammation levels, the result can be unnecessary inflammation.
Curcumin can delay or stop these problems with regulating inflammation in cytokines.
There are additional uses and benefits to using the supplement.
Dr. Rhonda mixes organic turmeric into her smoothies, which is a tasty and easy method of adding the supplement into your diet.
Recent research has indicated that curcumin increased memory ability in elderly people who complained of mild memory issues.
The group that received the curcumin showed a twenty-eight percent increase in a specific set of cognitive functions.
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PROBIOTICS
Dr. Rhonda never fails to emphasize how critical it is to maintain the health of the gut microbiome.
She takes probiotics every one to two weeks, which are beneficial to the health of abdomen bacteria.
Probiotics should only be used to supplement the benefits of a healthy diet.
They cannot be used exclusively to maintain the health of gut bacteria.
Probiotics can also be useful during pregnancy.
Research has shown that mothers who use probiotics during late-stage pregnancy and nursing had less inflammatory biomarkers.
HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
Dr. Rhonda has been advocating for the use of hydrolyzed collagen powder for several years as anti-aging supplement.
She adds the hydrolyzed collagen into her daily diet by mixing it into smoothies and other drinks, which is similar to the method much use with curcumin.
She initially became interested in hydrolyzed collagen because of a research study that showed peptides in hydrolyzed collagen could be beneficial to joint health.
Recent research has helped gain Dr. Rhonda’s interest in hydrolyzed collagen.
A recent study included 26 healthy participants that showed various signs of aging.
They were given a daily supplement of one gram of collagen powder over twelve weeks.
The result of the twelve-week supplement program was a 76% decrease of dry skin and scaling as well as a 13% decrease in facial wrinkles and lines.
Furthermore, participants experienced an 18% improvement in the composition of hemoglobin in their dermis.
These results indicate better microcirculation of the blood.
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PQQ (PYRROLOQUINOLINE QUINONE)
Recently, Dr. Rhonda has advocated for the use of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ).
A 2006 Japanese study indicated that PQQ increases neurological function, which was measured by the Stroop cognitive test.
Researchers surmised that PQQ increases cognitive function by improving blood flow as well as oxygen metabolism in the right prefrontal cortex.
These findings are particularly encouraging because PQQ is naturally created in the body.
Therefore, utilizing PQQ does not involve adding a foreign substance into your diet.
However, the overall effectiveness of PQQ remains mostly unknown.
Additional research must be conducted to determine its specific effects on cognitive function.
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Rhonda Patrick’s Dietary Nootropic Supplement Stack
Nootropics are substances, supplements, and drugs that are thought to improve neurological ability.
They are particularly useful with the brain’s executive functions, which include memory, creativity, and motivation.
Dr. Rhonda has two main criteria that she uses when evaluating the safety of a nootropic supplement.
- Avoid nootropic supplements that lower enzyme levels.
- Do not use nootropic compounds that are not natural. These criteria were added because newer nootropic supplements have not been studied under enough scrutiny to understand the effects on cognitive function fully.
Here are the three main nootropic supplements that Dr. Rhonda uses and recommends for followers.
LION’S MANE MUSHROOM
Lion’s Mane mushroom is commonly used for its positive neurological effects.
Research has shown that the supplement can improve certain cognitive functions.
Additional research on Lion’s Mane mushroom suggested that it was effective in improving neurological deficiencies within a group of 30 adults who were between ages 50 and 80.
The participants used 3 grams of Lion’s Mane powder per day for a period of 16 weeks.
The participants were tested at weeks 8, 12, and 16 of the study.
At these testing marks, they demonstrated significantly higher levels of neurological function when compared to the placebo control group.
The participants were tested again 4 weeks after ceasing their use of Lion’s Mane powder.
Those test results showed significantly decreased scores for neurological function.
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SULFORAPHANE
Sulforaphane is a product of a mixture of glucoraphanin and myrosinase. Glucoraphanin is derived from plants and is a phytonutrient.
Additionally, glucoraphanin brings on a beneficial hormetic effect in humans.
When humans consume sulforaphane, it activates the NRF2 pathway of the brain.
The NRF2 pathway improves the expression of several protective cell genes.
These findings come from an incredible study, which also indicates there are even more benefits of NRF2.
Sulforaphane continues to be the center of a wide variety of research.
The current findings indicate that it has a potential role in extending lives, preventing cancer, and additional health benefits.
RETRIEVING SULFORAPHANE FROM BROCCOLI SPROUTS
Dr. Rhonda obtains sulforaphane mainly through growing broccoli sprouts.
Additionally, she will use another supplement as a fail-safe when she does not have enough broccoli sprouts, or her crop fails.
Broccoli sprouts are simple to grow, and Dr. Rhonda shares her growing setup with her followers.
Here are the things you will need to grow broccoli sprouts effectively:
- Ball Mason Jars
- Sprouter Lids
- Natural Broccoli Sprout Seeds
Dr. Rhonda harvests her broccoli seeds every three days; research that suggests young sprouts possess increased glucoraphanin compared to older sprouts.
CHOLINE – ALPHA GPC
Dr. Rhonda has stated that she consumes Choline supplements in rare instances.
These instances are usually when she must complete a large amount of writing or if there is an event where she will be speaking.
She states that Choline supplements improve her cognitive function.
Dr. Rhonda emphasizes the importance of including organic sources of choline in the diet.
Natural sources of choline include eggs, chicken, broccoli, spinach, and almonds.
Several types of choline supplements can be consumed.
Dr. Rhonda suggests using Alpha GPC because it can cross the blood-brain barrier with ease.
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Which Supplements Does Dr. Rhonda Patrick Take on a Daily Basis?
Dr. Rhonda has selected a few supplements that she advocates for using daily, which she also uses in her diet.
MULTIVITAMIN
- Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. – One capsule daily
Dr. Rhonda takes the Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. multivitamin.
It’s comprised of a broad spectrum of critical micronutrients and contains doses of the essential ones.
Rhonda Patrick Vitamin D Choice – Thorne Vitmain D3
- Thorne Research – D3 (1,000iu): Two capsules daily
Dr. Rhonda sees vitamin D consumption as vital to remaining happy and healthy.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in serotonin control.
Serotonin controls several executive function features, such as sensory gating and social behavior.
It’s fundamental to consider the amount you take, however.
Consuming too much vitamin D can be harmful while taking too little of it is just as bad.
Finding the correct amount for you is critical to your diet.
The amount of vitamin D that each person should consume is variable and depends on numerous factors. Some of these factors include:
- Diet
- Sun exposure
- Body composition
- Blood composition
VITAMIN K2
- Thorne Research K2/D3 Drops: One drop every two to three days (1 capsule, 3 times per week)
Vitamin K is essential for the body to produce proteins that encourage blood coagulation. Additionally, it is used in the transportation of calcium for bones and other tissue.
Dr. Rhonda consumes vitamin K2 through the addition of leafy green vegetables to her diet, as well as a lot of vitamin K1.
The supplementation of vitamin K2 acts as a fail-safe in case she is not getting enough vitamin K1.
Low levels of vitamin K can eventually lead to increased blood pressure and risk of stroke.
Dr Rhonda Patrick Fish Oil Choice – Norvegian Pure
- Norwegian PURE-3 DHA: Six capsules daily
Omega-3s, EPA and DHA are critical fatty acids.
More precisely, these fatty acids are scattered into cell membranes throughout the body, but they most concentrated in the brain and eyes.
These fatty acids are essential to the mediation of lipids, which can have positive effects and help prevent several diseases.
Furthermore, fatty acids are critical for fetal development and aging.
On her last podcast with Joe Rogan, Rhonda mentioned she consumes 6 capsules of n-pure DHA now.
Prior to this she was taking the Nordic Naturals an before that – omega-3 phospholipids via NOW Neptune Krill Oil.
OMEGA-3 PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Dr. Rhonda currently takes her omega-3 phospholipids through Wild Salmon Roe Caviar.
She has made this selection instead of using supplements because the Wild Salmon Roe Caviar is a more organic option.
See this Instagram post and this here where she is talking more about caviar.
Rhonda Patrick Salmon Roe Caviar (Wild)- Vital choice Brand
MAGNESIUM
- Thorne Research – Magnesium Citramate: One capsule daily
Magnesium can be naturally found in leafy green vegetables.
Specifically, magnesium forms a portion of the chlorophyll molecule, which is partially responsible for photosynthesis.
If you see vegetables with a dark green color, they are sure to contain a concentration of magnesium.
Despite it being so natural and widely available, research indicates that roughly 50% of the US population has low or deficient magnesium levels.
Rhonda’s Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Supplement Regimen
Dr. Rhonda has been kind enough to provide a pregnancy and breastfeeding supplement regimen, which is much different from her standard day-to-day regimen.
The pregnancy regimen is the same for the first and second trimesters; it changes in the third trimester.
It is important to recognize that the breastfeeding supplement regimen is separate from the pregnancy regimen.
FIRST AND SECOND TRIMESTERS
Dr. Rhonda’s daily supplement regimen is comprised of supplements that have yet to be researched or studied on women who are pregnant.
Moreover, Dr. Rhonda will not leave anything to chance when it comes to pregnancy, so those supplements are not included in the pregnancy regimen.
Here is Dr. Rhonda’s supplement regimen for the first and second trimesters.
- Multivitamin: Three capsules daily
- Fish Oil: Five capsules daily
- Vitamin D: Two capsules daily
THIRD TRIMESTER
Here is Dr. Rhonda’s supplement regimen for the third trimester.
As you can see, the multivitamin, fish oil, and vitamin D supplements are the same as the first and second-trimester regimen.
Dr. Rhonda adds a probiotic and possibly an iron supplement for the third trimester.
As a note, the iron supplement should only be used if blood tests indicate low iron levels.
- Multivitamin: Three capsules daily
- Fish Oil: Five capsules daily
- Vitamin D: Two capsules daily
- Probiotic: One sachet daily
- Iron Supplement: Not necessary unless blood tests indicate low iron levels
BREASTFEEDING SUPPLEMENT REGIMEN
Research has indicated that pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher amounts of specific nutrients compared to non-pregnant women.
The following list is Dr. Rhonda’s breastfeeding supplement regimen.
- Multivitamin: Three capsules daily
- Fish Oil: Five capsules daily
- Probiotic: One sachet daily
- Vitamin D: Five capsules daily
- PQQ: One capsule daily
- Vitamin K2: One drop every two to three days
Rhonda Patrick Multivitamin
Research has indicated that pregnant women who are given a multivitamin supplement starting in the first trimester of pregnancy had children with higher IQ and verbal comprehension index scores.
These results were compared to women in a control group who did not receive the multivitamin supplement and whose children did not display the same cognitive improvements.
The research study responsible for these findings was conducted in a largely unpopulated area of China.
It is possible that the participants lacked nutrients before the start of the study; this could be why the treatment had a significant effect on their children’s IQ.
However, there are plenty of areas throughout the world with people who have low or deficient levels of nutrients.
The findings from this study are significant because it still conclusively demonstrates the importance of multivitamin nutrients on fetal development.
Dr. Rhonda selected this multivitamin because it has some critical benefits:
- Increased folic acid decreases the likelihood of children born with spinal cord defects
- Basic prenatal utilizes optimal levels of iron and iron bisglycinate
- Contains several critical ingredients
- Does not contain any unnatural ingredients
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How Rhonda Chooses Supplement Brands
The vitamin and supplement industry is surprisingly unregulated and lacking a unified approval structure.
It is especially surprising considering how strict and regulated the United States FDA is when approving food and medicine.
One would assume that the FDA would enact similar approval regulations for supplements and vitamins.
Dr. Rhonda recommends that individuals purchase supplements and vitamins that are approved by the NSF.
The NSF’s job is to independently evaluate and approve the certification of supplements.
This process is in place to ensure that supplements are not comprised of unlisted ingredients, contaminants, or other harmful elements.
The NSF employs rigorous and strict approval methods. Therefore, NSF certification is an ideal guideline to use when shopping for a supplement.
Final Words
Dr. Rhonda Patrick obtained her Ph.D. in biomedical science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
Additionally, Dr. Rhonda graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biochemistry and chemistry from the University of California in San Diego.
She has been involved in a wide variety of research on aging, cancer, nutrition, and longevity.
Later in her career, she completed research on aging at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences.
This research was designed to figure out the role that insulin signals play in protein misfolding. Protein misfolding is often discovered in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Rhonda often speaks to the public on topics such as micronutrient deficiencies in aging, as well as genetics related to the effects of nutrients on a person’s health.
Additionally, she has studied the benefits of introducing hormetic stressors to the body, such as through exercise, dieting, and multiple varieties of cold exposure. Finally, she has studied the significance of mindfulness, stress reduction, and sleep.
Dr. Rhonda’s primary objective is to challenge people’s old ways of thinking. Additionally, she would like to encourage people to think about longevity and health, and utilizing a preventative approach.