Omega-3s: Food, Supplements, and Brain Protection with Dr. Ed Park

<p><b>What the latest research says about DHA, APOE4, cognitive decline—and the emerging science of creatine </b></p><p></p><p>Dr. Ed Park is Annie’s go-to expert for making sense of omega-3 research. In this episode, they break down what omega-3 fatty acids do in the brain, why DHA and EPA matter, and how food, supplements, genetics, and aging may affect how much we need.</p><p>They also examine two recent studies that generated conflicting headlines about omega-3 supplements and cognitive decline. Ed explains what the studies actually found, their important limitations, and why the broader body of research remains encouraging.</p><p>You’ll learn how APOE4 may affect the brain’s ability to transport and use DHA, why the form and dose of an omega-3 supplement matter, and how an omega-3 index test can help guide a more personalized approach. Annie and Ed also discuss practical intake targets, when supplementation may be useful, and why omega-3s should be considered as one part of a broader brain-healthy lifestyle.</p><h3><b>Chapters</b></h3><p>00:00 Meet Dr. Ed Park<br />02:20 A shared connection to neurodegenerative disease<br />05:26 Omega-3s explained<br />11:26 Why the brain needs DHA and EPA<br />15:59 Plant-based omega-3s<br />17:17 APOE4 and omega-3 metabolism<br />22:33 What the new PreventE4 study found<br />33:14 Do omega-3 supplements accelerate cognitive decline?<br />38:00 A different finding from the same research database<br />41:17 How much omega-3 do you need?<br />44:04 Omega-3s for people with APOE4 or other risk factors<br />45:32 Why supplement form and DHA-to-EPA ratio matter<br />47:51 How to test your omega-3 levels<br />52:10 Can you take too much?<br />53:49 The story behind NeuroReserve and Relevate<br />59:22 A new omega-3 product from NeuroReserve<br />1:02:54 Creatine for muscle and brain health<br />1:07:37 A more strategic approach to supplementation</p><p><br />We are grateful to our founding sponsors:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://neuroreserve.com/" target="_blank"><b>NeuroReserve</b></a><b>: </b>Use code BHKPodcast for 10% off:</p><ul><li>Relevate: a brain-specific blend of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and nutrients based on the Mediterranean and MIND diets</li><li>Revanta Creatine: a highly dissolvable pure-grade creatine monohydrate</li><li>BHKEVOO: our recent harvest of extra-virgin olive oil—organic, high in polyphenols, and sources from family friends in Tuscany, Italy</li><li></li></u