Huge Update On Omega 3 Supplements For Vegans! Dr Klaper

Last week Dr Michael Klaper gave an update on whether he recommends omega 3 supplements or not for those on a plant based diet! He reveals some worrying test results he had and explains why he's changed his mind! Please make sure to watch this in full and then head over and watch his more in depth explanation video

DISCLAIMER
This information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, studies, audio and other material contained in this video or youtube channel are for informational purposes only. No material on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.

Studies;
Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with a Low Omega-3 Index in the Elderly: Results from the KORA-Age Study

Compound-specific isotope analysis reveals no retroconversion of DHA to EPA but substantial conversion of EPA to DHA following supplementation: a randomized control trial

Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and prostate cancer risk in the SELECT trial

Previous video

Dr Klaper’s Video

[Hikari]

Wow. I think it's really brave of him to post his results and to be open-minded enough to reconsider his position based the data. I definitely will continue supplementing with DHA and EPA myself.

[melaniecordes]

I respect him so much for coming forward with this information and not keeping his head in the sand. The lab tests don't lie and he's smart enough to realize something needs to be addressed. Kudos to him!

[CleanMachineOnline]

I have been friends with Michael for over a decade. The problem with his "theory" is that the Omega 3 Index (O3I) measures DHA in Red Blood Cells (RBC) only.

1. ALA mostly converts to DHA in the Liver, not in blood cells. So the O3I is essentially worthless for Vegans not consuming preformed DHA.
2. ALA also converts to DHA directly in the brain and fat tissues. This also is not accounted for with O3I testing.
3. The type of DHA found in RBCs is predominantly TAG-DHA. TAG-DHA is readily taken up in RBCs but not the form used by the brain.
4. LPC-DHA is made in the Liver and the Brain and is the form of DHA mostly used by the brain.
5. This is why the vast majority of ALA is converted to LPC-DHA in the Liver - NOT the blood cells - so it can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and be incorporated into the membranes of the brain.
6. Even Bill Harris, the co-creator of the O3I and President of OmegaQuant, the maker/seller of the O3I Test Kits stated recently after reviewing more current data on Ahiflower (a plant omega 3 source rich in n3 SDA):
“the Omega-3 Index, which tests EPA and DHA levels by percentages in red blood cells, may not be the most appropriate test for Ahiflower’s contribution to overall omega health and wellness benefits.”

Anecdotally, I am 62 and have been Vegan for 40 years. I have not consumed ANY preformed DHA in 40 years.

References: 2015 Study: Is docosahexaenoic acid synthesis from a-linolenic acid sufficient to supply the adult brain?
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
2016 Study: Dietary α-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is Sufficiently Converted to Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) to Increase Bioactive Lipids Derived from DHA
2021 Study: Potential role of hepatic lipase in the accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 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

[glenngibson]

As others have said, it is very forthright of him to come forward with this, and it's something that I'm not surprised by. Dr. K., seems to be a genuinely honest person. And thank you for bringing this to us. Cheers!

[plaru]

I would like to see a follow up report on Dr Klapers levels. To prove the supplements he’s now taking actually increase his levels. To rule out there isn’t something else going on with his health that is preventing him from absorbing the omega’s altogether. I feel this should have been done to complete his testing before he made the statement. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate your channel.. and I do supplement with Algae.

[AaronMetallion]

I love the honesty! This is what being a scientist is about, unlearning and relearning, and having objectivity and humility. Thank you for updating us too. I tend to just have 300mg DHA + 300mg EPA at the end of the night, so it doesn't inhibit any ALA / EPA synthesis during the entire day. I would say B12 and DHA are essential. Since most vegan foods can stack up Omega-6 quite a bit (inflammatory), and Omega-3 is a necessity to balance that out (anti-inflammatory). The Omega 3 : Omega 6 ratio should be around 1:3 or 1:4, and knowing the conversion rate for ALA -> EPA -> DHA is very low, it's just good insurance to take at least 300mg of DHA. This channel is such a great resource, scientifically informed, and the narrator is nice to listen to :3

[luluandmeow]

I applaud Dr Klaper's honesty and openness, I'll start taking my omega supplements again

[annhalbower]

Thank you Dr. Klapper for this honest re-appraisal of this really important issue and for the guts it took to post this advice. You are really worth listening to.

[reedclippings]

If I view him as a celebrity being intellectually honest, this is a huge update.

If I view him as a scientist, this is just a personal anecdote that does nothing to disparage the common wisdom that our ability to create long chains from short chains varies from person to person.

I take the pills, not because the science says to, but because I haven't confirmed whether or not my individual body does this well enough to not need them.

[lilikong]

Thank you Dr Michael Klapper. I love this honest, short, and straight to the point report.

[HuplesCat]

After a decade as a vegetarian and then a decade as a vegan I found parkinsons symptoms on waking. Hard to walk down the stairs. I assumed it was my age, 59. Food Revolution 2023 briefly mentioned DHA and EPA and dementia and parkinsons in elderly vegans. So I ordered some and 48 hours after starting it the symptoms entirely disappeared. Correlation is not causation but if you are on the fence I'd encourage you to start it.

[bensonic]

The whole world is watching the great Dr Klapper. Finally he has spoken and we now know what to do.

[esfromec]

Hey there a plant-based London, I love the short and informative videos you post. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[tanyajohnson]

Thank you Dr Klapper, you are a TRUSTED physician!

[ginac]

Thank you so much for keeping us posted on these developments 🌱💚 Much respect for Dr. K!

[PhilippeOrlando]

Yep. That's what I've been doing, I've kept taking algae supplements because, I'll be frank, Klapper was alone in his recommendation to NOT take it. I really command him for reassessing his position and telling the world he might have been wrong.

[jeanneamato]

Thank you for your honesty. If folks have a problem with it, too bad. We all do what we can to stay healthy.

[NashvilleHoodie]

Gotta hand it to Klaper for putting this out. He's a reasonable person who's keeping it real.

[laramcpherson]

A real sign of his integrity. Being open to new evidence and sharing openly. Respect!

[JayendrenSubramoney]

I recently had my omega index tested through OmegaQuant, and likewise, my levels are terrible despite eating ground chia, flax, nuts and seeds every day. I'll probably start supplementation as well. Choline is also a concern because I don't get enough of that. Nice Video. Thanks for highlighting these concerns.