Nutritional therapists have been measuring red cell glutathione and supplementing glutathione or its precursor N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) for decades. But it’s really hard, and expensive, to measure accurately. Until now.

So how does the Glutathione Index work? 

All of life is a balance between antioxidants and oxidants. That is why we, an oxygen based lifeform, have a finite life. Inside your cells glutathione (GSH) is working every second to stop harmful oxidants from ageing you. The result is spent or oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Our new test – a world first – measures the ratio between fully loaded glutathione (GSH) and oxidised glutathione (GSSG). The Glutathione index (GSH/GSSG) shows you how much antioxidant potential you have and how many metabolic fires you’ve extinguished. This ratio is the difference between mental health and mental illness.

Why does knowing this single marker help with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, schizophrenia, severe autism, depression & more?

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The Science

NAC has plenty of evidence to support its use as a promoter of glutathione and mental health, thus reducing the brain’s oxidative stress. The latest 2022 review states: “N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a compound of increasing interest in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutamate modulation activity, NAC has been investigated in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar-related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive-related disorders, substance-use disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic pain. Currently NAC has the most evidence of having a beneficial effect as an adjuvant agent in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, severe autism, depression, and obsessive compulsive and related disorders.” (1)

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Glutathione and Schizophrenia

Quoting Lorraine Wilder (whose MSc in schizophrenia we funded) “Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been found to be decreased in the brains of people with schizophrenia [2, 3]. Although oral GSH supplementation has poor bioavailability [4], N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been shown to successfully raise plasma glutathione levels in those with schizophrenia [5]”.

In a case study of a 24 year old woman with chronic and worsening paranoid-type schizophrenia that was generally unresponsive to anti-psychotic treatment, the addition of NAC supplementation improved the patient’s symptomatology in seven days. In addition to the schizophrenia-specific symptoms, improvements were observed in spontaneity, social skills and family relations by both the patient and family members. A randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) including 42 participants with schizophrenia, who were experiencing an acute phase of symptomatology, were randomly assigned to receive up to 2 g/d of NAC plus up to 6 mg/d of risperidone for 8 weeks as an adjunct intervention. 

Significant negative symptoms were found in the active treatment group compared to controls but not in positive or general psychopathology [6]. Furthermore, a larger RCT of 140 participants observed significant improvements on global symptomatology and general and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in the NAC supplementation (2 g/d; in addition to anti-psychotic medication) group in comparison to the placebo group over a 24-week period, but not positive symptoms [7]. Notably, after a 4-week washout period these beneficial effects diminished, with the exception of clinical severity scores. 

According to Dr Chris Palmer, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, “Glutathione (GSH), the brain’s primary antioxidant, plays a crucial role in maintaining redox balance. Magnetic resonance studies have provided mixed results regarding GSH levels in schizophrenia patients, with some studies indicating decreased levels in chronic schizophrenia, while others found no significant differences. However, these inconsistencies may be due to variations in disease chronicity, age, and symptom severity among study participants. The findings from these studies suggest several potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. Addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and impaired energy metabolism could lead to more effective treatments. For instance, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to GSH, has shown promise in increasing brain GSH levels and improving symptoms in first episode psychosis patients.”

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The Glutathione Index (GSH/GSSG) is the best indicator of brain oxidative stress. 

The GSH/GSSG ratio reflects the activity of the enzyme glutathione reductase which is responsible for the transformation of GSSG (used, oxidised) to GSH (the reduced or fully loaded form that acts as a radical scavenger). 

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Reductions in glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme levels in patients with dementia are well established. GR levels alone are therefore a fairly good biomarker of dementia. But the mere presence of the enzyme does not guarantee its high activity. GR needs to consume NADP molecules to function properly. The advantage of our test is, therefore, that it shows changes in GR activity not only due to higher/lower GR gene activity but also due to the absence of the reaction cofactor NADP. 

As shown by Irene Martinez de Toda et al 2019 (8) data, patients with dementia have a reduction in both the enzymes (GR and GP) that recycle glutathione. Thus, in general, it can be said that the glutathione metabolism (recycling) loop in those with dementia ‘spins’ much slower than in healthy patients. As a result, dementia patients have a lower potential to dynamically fight free radicals and will have a worse Glutathione Index.

In patients, the enzyme GR, which is responsible for recycling spent/oxidised glutathione back to fully loaded, slows down, which leads to the accumulation of oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and the depletion and inability to produce GSH. 

Thus, the concentration of GSH decreases while that of GSSG increases. Hence the Glutathione Index gets worse / is lower.

So will you join us and become a part of our Anti-Age Your Brain Campaign? We need Citizen Scientists to order and complete the test so you can start to protect your brain from ageing and so we can research what the ‘perfect number’ is.

Order your Glutathione test here

Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

By completing the Cognitive Function Test you are joining our grassroots research initiative to find out what really works for preventing cognitive decline. We share our ongoing research results with you to help you make brain-friendly choices.

Please support our research by becoming a Friend of Food for the Brain.

References

1. Bradlow RCJ, Berk M, Kalivas PW, Back SE, Kanaan RA. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs. 2022 May;36(5):451-482. doi: 10.1007/s40263-022-00907-3. Epub 2022 Mar 22. Erratum in: CNS Drugs. 2022 Apr 28;: PMID: 35316513; PMCID: PMC9095537.

2 Yao JK, Leonard S, Reddy R: Altered glutathione redox state in schizophrenia. Dis Markers 2006, 22(1):83–93.

3 Gawryluk JW, Wang J-F, Andreazza AC, Shao L, Young LT: Decreased levels of glutathione, the major brain antioxidant, in post-mortem prefrontal cortex from patients with psychiatric disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2011, 14(01):123–130.

4  Witschi A, Reddy S, Stofer B, Lauterburg B: The systemic availability of oral glutathione. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992, 43(6):667–669.

5. Lavoie S, Murray MM, Deppen P, Knyazeva MG, Berk M, Boulat O, Bovet P, Bush AI, Conus P, Copolov D, Fornari E, Meuli R, Solida A, Vianin P, Cuénod M, Buclin T, Do KQ:Glutathione precursor, N-acetyl-cysteine, improves mismatch negativity in schizophrenia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008, 33(9):2187–2199.

6. Farokhnia M, Azarkolah A, Adinehfar F, Khodaie-Ardakani M-R, Hosseini S-M-R, Yekehtaz H, Tabrizi M, Rezaei F, Salehi B, Sadeghi S-M-H, Moghadam M, Gharibi F, Mirshafiee O:, Akhondzadeh S: N-acetylcysteine as an adjunct to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Neuropharmacol 2013, 36(6):185–192.

7. Berk M, Copolov D, Dean O, Lu K, Jeavons S, Schapkaitz I, Anderson-Hunt M, Judd F, Katz F, Katz P, Ording-Jespersen S, Little J, Conus P, Cuenod M, Do KQ, Busha AI: N-acetyl cysteine as a glutathione precursor for schizophrenia—a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2008, 64(5):361–368.

8. Martínez de Toda I, Vida C, Sanz San Miguel L, De la Fuente M. Function, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Stress Parameters in Immune Cells as Predictive Markers of Lifespan throughout Aging. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Jun 2;2019:4574276. doi: 10.1155/2019/4574276. PMID: 31281577; PMCID: PMC6589234.

In a world often filled with daunting health challenges, Alzheimer’s Prevention Day stood out as a beacon of hope and action.

This year was the first launch of this global initiative and we were privileged to witness an incredible turnout: over 10,000 individuals visited our site, driven by a shared determination to tackle Alzheimer’s disease head-on. The day was not just about awareness but about tangible actions that each person can take to safeguard their cognitive health.

One of the highlights was our interactive 3-minute Alzheimer’s Prevention Check, which 8,000 participants eagerly completed. This simple yet impactful test empowers individuals to assess their cognitive health and take proactive steps towards prevention. 

Moreover, the 30-second challenge captured hearts and imaginations alike. We asked people to share on video what they do to help prevent Alzheimer’s each day?

And the answers are astounding!

From paragliding adventures to quirky activities like standing on one’s head or foraging in local forests, participants demonstrated that preventing Alzheimer’s can be both effective and fun.

Watch the rest of the videos here

Ali’s daring paragliding escapade, Zoe’s upside-down yoga prowess, and Nodge’s foraging adventures exemplify the creativity and commitment shown by our community. These actions not only inspire but also remind us that preventing Alzheimer’s is within everyone’s reach, with room for creativity and enjoyment along the way.

Central to the success of Alzheimer’s Prevention Day were the dedicated individuals behind the scenes. We extend heartfelt thanks to Cath and the team for their meticulous editing of inspiring films, and to Alex for crafting a user-friendly website that hosted invaluable resources and engaging content.

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A BIG thank you!

Behind every groundbreaking initiative are the scientists and professors whose expertise and dedication drive progress. Their research forms the backbone of our mission, guiding us towards effective prevention strategies and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their cognitive health.

As we reflect on the triumphs of Alzheimer’s Prevention Day, we invite you to join us in building a repository of inspiring actions. Visit our website to explore videos showcasing innovative ways people are preventing Alzheimer’s, and most importantly, create your own 30-second film. Share your daily practices that promote brain health, from physical activities to dietary choices, and inspire others to do the same.

>> Click here to submit your video and join the challenge

Together, let’s continue to raise awareness, take meaningful action, and pave the way towards a future where Alzheimer’s is preventable. Visit Alzheimer’s Prevention Day website to learn more and get involved today. 

Your actions today can make a difference tomorrow.

Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

By completing the Cognitive Function Test you are joining our grassroots research initiative to find out what really works for preventing cognitive decline. We share our ongoing research results with you to help you make brain-friendly choices.

Please support our research by becoming a Friend of Food for the Brain.

Too much sugar shrinks the brain, but it’s so attractive. Why?

We are led by the science here at Food for the Brain, so we know that one of the best things you can do for your brain is to reduce your sugar and support your insulin control. That is why it is one of our key lifestyle domains in the COGNITION programme. 

However, you probably already know too much sugar isn’t great for health but how can we make eating a lower carb and sugar life easier?

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First, let’s recap the science… 

Dr. Robert Lustig, a renowned expert on brain health and a member of our scientific advisory board, highlights the significant role of insulin control and dietary choices in preventing cognitive decline.

Research from Columbia University in 2004 revealed that individuals with high insulin levels, (a primary indicator of metabolic dysfunction), were twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with healthy insulin levels (1). Furthermore, those with the highest insulin levels exhibited the worst memory retrieval abilities (1). Similarly, an Italian study linked elevated insulin levels to declining mental function (2).

Several studies have established a connection between high sugar consumption and poor cognitive outcomes. For instance, a study among Puerto Ricans found that high sugar intake doubled the risk of cognitive impairment (3), while another U.S. study correlated elevated blood sugar levels with memory loss (4). The detrimental impact of high dietary glycaemic load (GL) on cognitive function has been observed in studies from Ireland and the United States, indicating that high GL diets are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s-related pathological changes (5,6).

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What is Glycaemic load?

Glycaemic load considers both the quality (GI – glycaemic index) and the quantity (carbohydrate content) of the carbohydrates in a food serving. It provides a more accurate picture of how a food will affect blood sugar levels. The formula for calculating glycaemic load is:

GL  = GI x carbohydrate / 100

A high GL diet measured by the total glucose load on the bloodstream, is linked to increased amyloid plaque formation and cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with the ApoE4 gene, which regulates fat metabolism (7). Even individuals with high-normal blood glucose levels experience greater brain shrinkage and cognitive impairment compared to those with lower levels, as shown in long-term studies (8).

Plus, the damage of a high-GL diet can start early in life. Dr. Lustig points out that overweight children on high-GL diets show signs of cognitive decline, and adolescents with metabolic dysfunction from such diets exhibit hippocampal shrinkage and other brain structure changes (9,10).

So it is clear that eating excess sugar or the wrong types of carbohydrates with a high GL is a problem, so what do you eat?

(Wondering if you’re eating too much sugar? Then test, don’t guess with our home HbA1c test – find out more here.)

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What to eat?

There are two options: following a low GL diet or going a step further and adhering to a ketogenic approach (or switching between the two as Patrick highlights in the Hybrid Diet book). For more info on the ketogenic diet click here to find out more

A low GL diet is focused on consuming foods that have a minimal impact on blood sugar. Basically a diet rich in:

Vegetables: Most non-starchy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers.
Fruits: Berries, cherries, grapefruit, and apples.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans.
Whole Grains: Barley, quinoa, and whole oats.
Fish and meat or tofu/tempeh: unprocessed
Dairy: Plain yoghurt and milk (unsweetened).
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

Whilst eating this way can support your brain health it can also help you sustain energy levels, help with weight loss and improve heart health.

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So how can we make it easier?

At Food for the Brain we have a few ways to help you feed your brain on the right foods:

Complete the Cognitive Function Test and join COGNITION so we can walk you through how to reduce sugar and upgrade your brain over the next few months.
Upgrade Your Brain Cook App – full of low GL recipes and coming soon. Help us by pre ordering today to get brain-loving recipes at your fingertips.
Here is a recipe sample:

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Almond and coconut porridge

Breakfast Serves 2, generously 

TOTAL GLs: 4

Ingredients:

2 tbsp milled flaxseed
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 tbsp whole flaxseed
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp coconut flakes, toasted in a dry pan
2 tbsp raspberries
2 tbsp blueberries
2 strawberries
8 walnuts, broken up
1 tbsp soft brown sugar alternative (or sweetener of choice)
300ml unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp chicory root syrup (or sweetener of choice)

Instructions:

Stir everything (except the desiccated coconut, nuts and berries) together in a saucepan and let sit for 10 mins.
Gently heat through until thickened – add a little more milk if needed to get the consistency you like.
Top with the berries, nuts and toasted coconut – add some natural yoghurt if you like.
Drizzle with the chicory syrup 

Cooks Notes

It’s worth seeking out the chicory syrup – very low sugar and also high fibre. 

Nutrition Highlights

Antioxidants: High in antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, which help protect cells from damage and support immune function.
Protein: A moderate source of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and repair.
Fibre: Contains a high amount of fibre, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.

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Other resources

Here are a few other resources to make low sugar easier, 

FATT bars – easy low GL and low carb snacks for on-the-go. Use the code FFTB10 to save 10% and FATT will donate to the charity with every purchase.

Dillon bread – low carb bread and their brand new high fibre, low GL, Chicory Fibre Syrup perfect for adding to porridge and also suitable for diabetics. Use code FFB10 to save 10% and Dillon will donate 10% with every purchase.

Keto Mojo – if you want to take it a step further and follow a ketogenic diet then grab one of their ketone readers to make life easier and to check you are in ketosis. Use code FFB10 to save 10%.

These companies are some of our supporting organisations – find out more here.

Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

By completing the Cognitive Function Test you are joining our grassroots research initiative to find out what really works for preventing cognitive decline. We share our ongoing research results with you to help you make brain-friendly choices.

Please support our research by becoming a Friend of Food for the Brain.

References

Abbatecola AM, Paolisso G, Lamponi M, Bandinelli S, Lauretani F, Launer L, Ferrucci L. Insulin resistance and executive dysfunction in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Oct;52(10):1713-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52466.x. PMID: 15450050.
Abbatecola AM, Paolisso G, Lamponi M, Bandinelli S, Lauretani F, Launer L, Ferrucci L. Insulin resistance and executive dysfunction in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Oct;52(10):1713-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52466.x. PMID: 15450050.
Ye X, Gao X, Scott T, Tucker KL. Habitual sugar intake and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Puerto Ricans without diabetes. Br J Nutr. 2011 Nov;106(9):1423-32; doi: 10.1017/S0007114511001760. Epub 2011 Jun 1. PMID: 21736803; PMCID: PMC4876724.
Power SE, O’Connor EM, Ross RP, Stanton C, O’Toole PW, Fitzgerald GF, Jeffery IB. Dietary glycaemic load associated with cognitive performance in elderly subjects. Eur J Nutr. 2015 Jun;54(4):557-68. doi: 10.1007/s00394-014-0737-5. Epub 2014 Jul 18. PMID: 25034880.
Seetharaman S, Andel R, McEvoy C, Dahl Aslan AK, Finkel D, Pedersen NL. Blood glucose, diet-based glycemic load and cognitive aging among dementia-free older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2015 Apr;70(4):471-9. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glu135. Epub 2014 Aug 22. PMID: 25149688; PMCID: PMC4447796.
Taylor MK, Sullivan DK, Swerdlow RH, Vidoni ED, Morris JK, Mahnken JD, Burns JM. A high-glycemic diet is associated with cerebral amyloid burden in cognitively normal older adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Dec;106(6):1463-1470. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.117.162263. Epub 2017 Oct 25. PMID: 29070566; PMCID: PMC5698843.
Taylor MK, Sullivan DK, Swerdlow RH, Vidoni ED, Morris JK, Mahnken JD, Burns JM. A high-glycemic diet is associated with cerebral amyloid burden in cognitively normal older adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Dec;106(6):1463-1470. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.117.162263. Epub 2017 Oct 25. PMID: 29070566; PMCID: PMC5698843.
M.E. Mortby et al., ‘High “normal” blood glucose is associated with decreased brain volume and cognitive performance in the 60s: the PATH through Life Study’, PLoS One (2013), vol 8
.
Yau PL, Castro MG, Tagani A, Tsui WH, Convit A. Obesity and metabolic syndrome and functional and structural brain impairments in adolescence. Pediatrics. 2012 Oct;130(4)
. doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-0324. Epub 2012 Sep 3. PMID: 22945407; PMCID: PMC3457620.
Lakhan, S.E., Kirchgessner, A. The emerging role of dietary fructose in obesity and cognitive decline. Nutr J 12, 114 (2013).
Loef M, Walach H. Fruit, vegetables and prevention of cognitive decline or dementia: a systematic review of cohort studies. J Nutr Health Aging. 2012 Jul;16(7):626-30. doi: 10.1007/s12603-012-0097-x. PMID: 22836704.

By the Alzheimer’s Prevention Expert Group

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You may have heard of a search for new tests to find those most likely to get Alzheimer’s disease? But is this misdirected?

Perhaps so, according to the Alzheimer’s Prevention Expert Group (APEG) –  a collaboration of top UK, American and Chinese academics (which we are a part of – find out more here) who consider this to be “..a misguided waste of money”. 

Controversially, their stance challenges the major thrust of charities such as Alzheimer’s Research (ARUK), which strongly supports search for a reliable test for the disease.

APEG explains that there is already a widely used way to spot failing memory and thinking skills  – hallmarks for dementia and Alzheimer’s. These include a neuropsychological test battery (NTB) and a validated Cognitive Function Test (CFT) similar to the one we provide free. Both are routinely used in memory clinics to diagnose mild cognitive impairment and support the diagnosis of dementia.

Over the last decade the charity Food for the Brain has used the Cognitive Function Test to find people at risk and advise them how to reduce their risk with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Nearly half a million people to date have been tested, with someone taking the test every 2 minutes!

When does Cognitive Decline begin?

Cognitive function declines steadily from the age of 18. This means that it is possible to spot individuals whose cognitive function is dropping off faster than the average, giving time to encourage preventative actions with personalised advice on their diet and lifestyle changes.

Alzheimer’s, which makes up two-thirds of dementia cases, involves the shrinking of certain areas of the brain as neurons die off. It can be detected with a specialised brain scan several years before a diagnosis. These ‘PET’ scans can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s and/or vascular dementia.  The trouble is that such scans are expensive and not likely performed early enough to discover those ‘at risk’. 

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What about p-tau?

As well as shrinkage, another marker for Alzheimer’s is a toxic protein called p-tau. This creates clumps of tangled nerves in the brain. These can be found in the fluid that bathes the brain but again there is a problem. Detecting it can be done with a lumbar puncture, but this is a risky and expensive process and certainly not suitable to test tens of thousands of people. 

At first sight, if a blood test could identify those heading towards Alzheimer’s earlier this could be a cheaper and less invasive alternative to such scans. However, the search is likely driven by a quite different ulterior motive – to create and sell drugs – much like cholesterol and statins. What’s more it’s unlikely to be an improvement!

A recent New York Times article pointed out that such a test would result in people being diagnosed with ‘pre’ Alzheimer’s, even if they have no obvious symptoms. That’s because having the marker would be considered enough to justify a diagnosis of the disease or, at least, the prescription of a drug.

This is what happens with amyloid protein. Amyloid forms plaque in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. The latest drugs, such as lecanemab and aducanumab, remove this. But not all those with Alzheimer’s have plaque, and people can develop dementia without plaque. What’s more none of these drugs have a clinically significant effect, and they come with the risk of severe adverse effects, including death from brain bleeding and swelling, especially in those with a history of stroke.

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A very cheap and safe alternative…

Perhaps the most convincing reason why the new blood marker hunt is “misguided” is that there is something very cheap and very safe that can prevent the accumulation of p-tau tangles in the brain – B vitamins.

Suppose you are not taking in enough B6, folate or B12, which becomes harder to absorb as you get older, blood levels of a toxic amino acid called homocysteine rise. This increases the level of p-tau and inhibits the brain from clearing it. According to pharmacology professor David Smith, a member of APEG and our Scientific Advisory Board: “Homocysteine is not a diagnostic marker for dementia but it is a modifiable risk factor. Raised levels of homocysteine account for some 20% of dementia cases and homocysteine testing is relatively inexpensive and available.”

Smith, who was second in charge at Oxford University’s School of Medical Sciences, ran the VITACOG trial which found that high doses of B vitamins given to people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and high homocysteine, not only slowed the rate of brain cell death by up to 73% but also arrested cognitive decline.

He, and his APEG colleagues, favour using a Cognitive Function Test, to identify those at risk. Then, testing risk factors and biomarkers such as homocysteine to be included in the research, with funds being made available for testing blood biomarkers because this is one thing you can actually do something about. 

Other useful tests for risk factors include omega-3 and vitamin D levels, since low levels of these nutrients also increase risk; also HbA1c, the standard measure used to diagnose diabetes, since lower levels help protect the brain and high levels indicate those who need to reduce their intake of sugar and processed foods. These tests are corroborative rather than diagnostic but importantly identify prevention actions that people can take. 

We offer at home, accurate pin prick testing for Vitamin D, HbA1c, Omega-3 and Homocysteine (available in US, EU & UK) – order here to be a part of our research and to support our charitable work 

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The new paradigm.

This two-step paradigm of:

1. Testing cognitive function early – you can do so here.

2. Then do further blood tests such as homocysteine, omega-3, vitamin D and HBA1c for glucose control that help guide diet and lifestyle prevention, which is available right now. Order your DRIfT test here

So keep things simple and start today!

Complete our validated Cognitive Function Test, then order your blood tests and be a part of our Citizen Science research and movement.

Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

By completing the Cognitive Function Test you are joining our grassroots research initiative to find out what really works for preventing cognitive decline. We share our ongoing research results with you to help you make brain-friendly choices.

Please support our research by becoming a Friend of Food for the Brain.

References

The VITACOG trials, evidence for homocysteine as causal and lowering it with B vitamins as disease modifying and a consensus statement regarding this evidence, in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, is here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836397/

The validation of foodforthebrain.org’s Cognitive Function Test in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry is here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.3993

The evidence in relation to p-tau and homocysteine is here: https://foodforthebrain.org/the-p-tau-delusion/

Widespread omega-3 deficiency is cranking up aggression.

Children flying off the handle, fighting at school, increasing rates of ADHD, depression and violent offences, perhaps even more global conflicts – a new study suggests that something very simple could be cranking up aggression. 

Less omega-3 from seafood. 

A study of 4,000 participants over 28 years, has found a clear reduction in aggression when children and adults are given either omega-3 supplements or eat more fish. According to advisor to the US National Institutes of Health, Dr Joseph Hibbeln, a country’s incidence of homicide, depression and suicide ‘tracks’ their seafood consumption. In Australia, a prisoner’s omega-3 index, measured in a pin prick blood test predicts anger, aggression and AHDH. A study in UK prisons found that giving omega-3 supplements to prison inmates, compared to placebos, reduced violent offences by more than a third.

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Omega-3 support in community, clinics and our criminal justice system

“Based on this evidence our considered opinion is that there is now sufficient evidence to begin to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression in children and adults, whether the setting is community, the clinic or criminal justice system” say the study authors Adrian Raine and Lia Brodrick from the University of Pennsylvania.

“There is now clear evidence that not only are low blood omega-3 levels associated with increased aggressive behaviour but supplementation with fish oil can reduce aggressive tendencies in adults and children.” says Professor William Harris from the Fatty Acid Research Institute in the US, one of our scientific advisors. 

This is why we now offer an easy, pin prick home test for omega-3 to go alongside our free online Cognitive Function Test and diet and lifestyle questionnaire that assesses omega-3 status and other factors that are important to your brain function and development.

We need to treat it the same as vitamin D

“Less than 5% of children in the UK achieve the basic recommended levels of omega-3” says Dr Simon Dyall, clinical neuroscientist at the University of Roehampton who also advises the charity “Even these recommendations are too low, according to the evidence regarding brain function. Many children eat no fish at all and don’t supplement omega-3. The evidence is more than sufficient to recommend that we take action now to protect our children’s brains.”

In the same way that GPs test vitamin D we need to test both children and adults presenting with ADHD, depression, anxiety and aggression for their omega-3 index. 

In Japan, where a lot of seafood is eaten, the level is 10% and rates of violence, depression, suicide and Alzheimer’s are a fraction of those in the UK. People in the UK and US average 4% on the pinprick omega-3 index. You need over 8% for a healthy brain. Many offenders test as low as 2%.

You can’t build a healthy brain without omega-3. Our children are suffering. There is more than enough evidence of this.

Yet there is no government recommendation in the UK of how much omega-3 we need. The advice to eat fish twice a week is neither enough, nor heeded. 

That is why we are helping people help themselves by testing their omega-3 index and advising them accordingly. But we need this done on a national scale, especially in poorer communities.

If doctors can test and prescribe vitamin D, why can’t they test and prescribe omega-3?

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Actions:

Find out your omega-3 status (or your child’s, partner or entire family) with the accurate, simple at home blood test. Order here to be a part of our research and support our charity.
Find out more about our Smart Kids & Teen programme we are developing (and need funding for!)
Complete the Cognitive Function Test to get personalised information on how you can upgrade your brain.

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Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

By completing the Cognitive Function Test you are joining our grassroots research initiative to find out what really works for preventing cognitive decline. We share our ongoing research results with you to help you make brain-friendly choices.

Please support our research by becoming a Friend of Food for the Brain.

References

A. Raine, L. Brodrick ‘Omega-3 supplementation reduces aggressive behavior: A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials’Aggression and Violent Behavior, 2024, 101956 doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2024.101956.

Hibbeln JR. Depression, suicide and deficiencies of omega-3 essential fatty acids in modern diets. World Rev Nutr Diet. 2009;99:17-30. doi: 10.1159/000192992.

Meyer BJ, Byrne MK, Collier C, Parletta N, Crawford D, Winberg PC, et al. (2015) Baseline Omega-3 Index Correlates with Aggressive and Attention Deficit Disorder Behaviours in Adult Prisoners. PLoS ONE 10(3): e0120220. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0120220 

Gesch CB, Hammond SM, Hampson SE, Eves A, Crowder MJ. Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. Randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2002 Jul;181:22-8. doi: 10.1192/bjp.181.1.22.

Today marks the halfway point for 28 Upgrade Your Brain events in Ireland and the UK and it has been a delight to meet mothers, daughters, fathers and sons sharing their hopes, struggles and stories of transformation, joining the mission to save as many brains as possible from unnecessary mental illness. 

Here are a few recent sharings. Please encourage all your friends and family to attend the remaining seminars (book your tickets here) and – if not near you – come to the webinar on June 5th – book your virtual ticket here.

We’ve received many requests for more seminars in the North (and in Wales) so I’m cooking up a tour in late October of Wrexham, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Maybe Manchester if anyone on the ground invites me. Then we’re off to China and Japan!

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The Music…

Some have asked to hear the songs, my HeartStuff playlist on Spotify that I’ve been playing before and after the seminars, and on the road, as we drive through the early hours, over mountains and rolling hills, by the water, crossing bridges in the early morning mist and driving rain. (What a magnificent green world this is!)

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The Poems…

Also, some have asked for poems such as Ignosis, Demented, The Beach and The Cat Who got Corona from her Owner.  Read the poem here.

And you can watch the Fight the Flour rap below.

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The Supplements

For those wanting to upgrade their brains with omega-3, homocysteine lowering B vitamins , phospholipids, antioxidants and C8 oil these links give you the products we’ve found that fit the bill in terms of delivering the right amounts.

Looking forward to meeting you down the road in June. Then we’re off to America and Canada in July. Get your tickets here.

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A big thank you!

A big thanks to Viridian who are spreading the word to all health food stores, Ros at patrickholford.com, you and all the local health food stores (too many to mention) for helping spread the word. 

Also thanks to:

The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (their conference is on 28 May – Newcastle),
The Public Health Collaboration (2 Nov – Glasgow)
Integrated Personalised Medicine conference (7 June – London), 
World Council for Health (14 June – Bath), 
Nutrition Collective (amazing conference of all the experts if you want a deep dive – all recorded), 
Nutrition Network (June 15, Sussex), 
International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine (June 15 – Toronto), 
British Society of Ecological Medicine (18 October – London),
Bio-Kinesiology Association of Ireland (19 Oct – Dublin)
(Please click the links to find their upcoming conferences and events)

For helping to spread the word to your people and practitioners. 

As Dr David Perlmutter says “You are the architect of your brain’s destiny.” 

Make it a good one! No need for this dementia devastation.

Thank you for reading!

Food for the Brain is a non-for-profit educational and research charity that offers a free Cognitive Function Test and assesses your Dementia Risk Index to be able to advise you on how to dementia-proof your diet and lifestyle.

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