Is there ANY truth to the Game Changers? With Ryan Lowery, PhD

PS

Paul Saladino1h 51m · 2019-11-12

Claims Made

180

Claims Supported

107

Support Rate

59%

Support rate

107 of 180 claims supported

107 supported73 partial / not

Claims from this content

130

Well SupportedRegenerative agriculture where cows graze land in an ancestrally consistent manner can sequester more carbon into the soil than they produce.Well SupportedIngesting 700-3000mg of leucine with each meal supports muscle protein synthesis and repair for hypertrophy and strength goals.Well SupportedA carnivore diet constructed as nose-to-tail eating aligns with how ancestors and indigenous peoples consumed animals.Well SupportedMuscle glycogen storage, utilization, and repletion are equivalent between ketogenic and high-carbohydrate ultra-endurance athletes who are keto-adapted.Well Supported

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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N. Park

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Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

Adding leucine to plant-based protein sources can increase their protein quality to match that of whey protein, leading to a similar muscle protein synthesis response.

Partially SupportedThe supplement industry has variable quality, and product contents may not match the label.

Well SupportedLeucine activates muscle protein synthesis primarily through the mTOR pathway.

Well SupportedKetones can be utilized by the brain as a fuel source, and research supports their benefits for the brain.

Well SupportedBeta-hydroxybutyrate affects gene transcription, suggesting ketones have epigenetic effects.

Well SupportedKetones are a preferred fuel for the brain and are associated with improved cognitive function.

Well SupportedIn early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, brain cells may have reduced glucose utilization but can effectively use ketones.

Well SupportedAnimal-source protein is significantly more utilizable by humans than plant-source protein, as indicated by the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS).

Well SupportedAnimal agriculture and plant agriculture contribute similar amounts to total greenhouse gas emissions.

Well SupportedGreenhouse gases in the atmosphere are necessary for life on Earth, maintaining a surface temperature that allows for existence.

Partially SupportedSelective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are designed to be more anabolic relative to androgenic than compounds like Primobolan and Anavar.

Well SupportedPlant foods can contain anti-nutrients and digestive enzyme inhibitors that negatively impact human health.

Partially SupportedIn elite endurance athletes adapted to ketosis for over 20 months, muscle glycogen depletion and replenishment during long-duration exercise were similar to carbohydrate-consuming athletes.

Well SupportedGlucose is not the only or preferred fuel for the brain; ketones may offer neuroprotective benefits.

Well SupportedNutritional epidemiology should primarily generate hypotheses to be tested in controlled situations, rather than directly informing policy and guidelines.

Partially SupportedMethane from cows converts to carbon dioxide in about ten years and is then re-inhaled by plants.

Not SupportedThe recommended daily allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is insufficient for building and maintaining muscle mass in aging individuals.

Not SupportedStudies linking meat to negative cardiovascular outcomes should be carefully examined for confounding and bias.

Not SupportedTim Shieff experienced declining health including digestive issues, psychological problems, brain fog, and low energy during six years on a vegan diet.

Not SupportedTriglyceride/HDL ratio, fasting insulin, and c-peptide are crucial for understanding cardiovascular disease risk.

Not SupportedMeatless Mondays can be detrimental to children who rely on school lunches and may lack access to nutrient-dense foods.

Well SupportedBlood levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and l-arginine, and their ratios, can indicate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function.

Not SupportedPostprandial flow-mediated dilation should not be used as a metric for cardiovascular disease risk.

Well SupportedProtein synthesis for muscle growth requires energy, primarily from carbohydrates.

Well SupportedConsuming a steak alone does not result in the same blood triglyceride profile as a meal containing both fat and carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedIndividuals with diabetes and insulin resistance have impaired flow-mediated dilation at rest, which worsens postprandially.

Partially SupportedEating salmon led to a return of normal hormonal function for one individual after years of veganism.

Not SupportedHeme iron has only been shown to be carcinogenic in rodent models fed calcium-deficient diets, with no evidence of teratogenicity in humans on nutrient-adequate diets.

Partially SupportedA meal high in both fat and carbohydrates increases blood triglycerides and impairs fat mobilization.

Not SupportedPlant-based doctors and influencers may overstate claims about vegan diets being the most optimal or the only diet to reverse heart disease.

Partially SupportedShort-term trials comparing animal and plant protein diets can show changes in inflammatory markers.

Not SupportedThe claim in 'The Game Changers' that a plant-based diet is the only diet shown to reverse heart disease is far-fetched and a misrepresentation.

Not SupportedConfounding factors like novelty of measurement devices and lack of randomization made the comparison between meat-based and plant-based meals unreliable for assessing effects on erections in 'The Game Changers'.

Not SupportedThe argument that sufficient protein can be obtained from plants is flawed because it does not account for protein quality, specifically leucine content, and uses non-comparable serving sizes.

Partially SupportedThe speaker was vegan for a period while ultra running and felt it may have contributed to a lower body weight but not to optimal running performance.

Partially SupportedThe increase in insulin from carbohydrates impairs fat mobilization and increases triglycerides and fatty acids in the blood.

Not SupportedMeat consumption is unlikely to be detrimental to human health, given that humans have consumed meat as a majority of their diet for millions of years.

Partially SupportedInsulin is a more potent and sustained trigger for mTOR activation than leucine in human myotubes.

Partially SupportedA vegetarian-based diet compared to a meat-based diet shows a difference in muscle gain over 12 weeks of resistance training, with meat-eaters gaining muscle and vegetarians losing muscle.

Partially SupportedHeme iron is connected with an increased rate of colonic adenoma in calcium-deficient mouse models, but this risk disappears when mice are fed adequate calcium.

Well SupportedOptimal protein intake for maximizing muscle protein synthesis involves consuming 3-4 evenly spaced meals per day, each containing 25-30 grams or more of protein.

Not SupportedKetosis is not a physiologically stressful situation for the human body within one to three weeks.

Partially SupportedAlmonds and pea protein use significantly more water from aquifers than cows do.

Partially SupportedProducing leucine from plant-based protein requires astronomically more water than from animal-based protein.

Partially SupportedA ribeye steak consumed alone does not cause cloudiness in blood serum, unlike a meal with both fat and glucose.

Well SupportedTo avoid competing adaptations, endurance activities should be performed on separate days from resistance training, especially when training legs.

Partially SupportedExcessive steady-state chronic cardio and overexertion can lead to significant muscle loss.

Partially SupportedReversal or halting of atherosclerosis is primarily driven by addressing insulin resistance and inflammation.

Well SupportedCardiovascular exercise can be performed without interfering with strength, speed, and hypertrophy improvements, and vice versa.

Partially SupportedWhen leucine intake exceeds 2-3 grams per serving, the specific protein source does not significantly impact muscle gain.

Partially SupportedIn a study matching protein intake, individuals on a ketogenic diet gained as much muscle as a carbohydrate-consuming group but lost significantly more fat.

Partially SupportedTraining legs and then immediately engaging in endurance activity, or training upper body and then throwing, creates competing adaptations.

Well SupportedHigh-intensity intervals, such as 10-second running bursts followed by recovery, help build muscle mass.

Partially SupportedWater fasting may reverse atherosclerosis, but it might be difficult to fast long enough to observe clinical changes without a large amount of adipose tissue.

Partially SupportedA SARM was found in a vegan multivitamin, suggesting supplement contamination.

Partially SupportedConsuming desiccated organ supplements, such as brain, can provide nerve trophic factors and growth factors beneficial for mental performance.

Partially SupportedProviding a different fuel source, such as through a ketogenic diet or supplementation with MCTs or exogenous ketones, can benefit individuals with neurodegenerative diseases where the brain has insulin resistance and cannot utilize glucose.

Partially SupportedMeat is not an environmental problem and is highly nutritious for humans when raised regeneratively.

Partially SupportedResearching regenerative agriculture and the work of Allan Savory and White Oak Pastures can help align eating meat with environmentalism.

Partially SupportedAchieving adequate calorie intake on a carnivore diet can be challenging due to insufficient fat consumption relative to protein intake.

Partially SupportedThe body can produce glucose through gluconeogenesis from amino acids and triglyceride glycerol.

Partially SupportedConsuming a large amount of dairy fat, such as heavy whipping cream, can create a postprandial increase in triglycerides and blood cloudiness.

Partially SupportedMeals consisting only of protein and fat, without carbohydrates, do not cause delayed clearance of triglycerides from the blood.

Partially SupportedThere are no human studies demonstrating a danger associated with Neu5Gc.

Partially SupportedEndurance athletes may lose muscle mass rapidly, leading to long-term nutrient deficiencies and reduced performance.

Partially SupportedThe body can produce sufficient carbohydrates to stimulate muscle growth.

Partially SupportedManaging insulin resistance and inflammation is key to reversing heart disease, not necessarily the specific diet.

Partially SupportedAnecdotal cases exist of individuals on ketogenic diets experiencing substantial regression of coronary artery calcium scores.

Partially SupportedEating a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal can result in cloudy blood serum.

Partially SupportedNate Diaz's samples tested positive for a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM).

Partially SupportedPostprandial hypertriglyceridemia can occur after consuming a high-fat meal containing carbohydrates, animal protein, and cheese.

Partially SupportedExogenous ketones can be a utilized fuel source, as evidenced by a Parkinson's patient experiencing cessation of tremor and regaining a sense of smell after administering ketones and following a ketogenic diet.

Partially SupportedA calorie-restricted diet, even one consisting of processed foods, may reverse or halt atherosclerosis due to improvements in insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedAchieving significant muscle mass is very difficult without supplements like pea protein.

Partially SupportedMovement and neurodegenerative disorders respond well to ketones as fuel.

Partially SupportedA boxer experienced a decline in performance and an increase in losses after transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Partially SupportedNate Diaz is pescetarian, consuming eggs and fish, and is not strictly vegan.

Partially SupportedInterventional studies with meat consumption have not shown an increase in inflammatory markers or a worsening of glucose tolerance.

Partially SupportedMeat does not contain endotoxin (LPS).

Partially SupportedThe only side effects from eating meat are feeling good, proper hormonal function, and libido.

Partially SupportedPlant-based foods, such as olive oil, bread, and potatoes, have been shown to impair flow-mediated dilation.

Partially SupportedSARM LGD-4033 can improve endurance performance.

Partially SupportedOmnivore ultra-endurance athletes like Joe Makana and Carol Sabat have diets that include staples like yogurt, bacon, and eggs.

Partially SupportedPostprandial hypertriglyceridemia is primarily mediated by carbohydrates, not by animal foods or animal fat alone.

Partially SupportedGrains can lead to rapid weight gain, as exemplified by sumo wrestlers consuming large amounts of rice.

Partially SupportedA large majority of the population is iron deficient, and deficiencies are a greater concern than heme iron intake.

Partially SupportedHeme iron does not increase the risk of precancerous colon lesions in calcium-sufficient mouse models.

Partially SupportedMeasuring total cholesterol and triglycerides at a single point in time, especially after a large meal, can be misleading and may incorrectly suggest the need for statins.

Partially SupportedReversing atherosclerosis involves addressing insulin resistance and inflammation, not necessarily the presence of plants in the diet.

Partially SupportedThe ingredients in Beyond and Impossible burgers may contribute more greenhouse gas emissions than eating meat daily due to overseas sourcing and transportation.

Partially SupportedRyan Lowery felt better after undergoing stem cell treatments.

Partially SupportedRegenerative agriculture is a major answer for addressing chronic disease and illness.

Partially SupportedmTOR signaling is important for maintaining muscle mass.

Not SupportedRoman gladiators ate cheap grains and barley for survival, not beans, and body fat was beneficial for combat protection.

Partially SupportedPractices like working from home or walking to work have a greater positive environmental impact than meatless Mondays.

Partially SupportedCaloric restriction is beneficial for longevity by activating sirtuins and genes involved in antioxidant response.

Partially SupportedAchieving sufficient leucine intake for anabolic growth can be done with supplements like pea protein, but not with whole plant foods like peas or carrots.

Not SupportedThe argument that veganism is better for the environment is inaccurate and based on misrepresented data.

Partially SupportedIn mice on a ketogenic diet, branched-chain amino acids like leucine and isoleucine are not depleted, suggesting gluconeogenesis is not stressful for muscle.

Partially SupportedInsulin resistance is a more important factor for overall endothelial health and dilation than postprandial flow-mediated dilation changes.

Not SupportedMeasuring only total cholesterol and triglycerides without considering context, such as recent food intake, provides a limited snapshot and may lead to inappropriate recommendations.

Partially SupportedMaintaining muscle mass on a ketogenic diet is not problematic.

Partially SupportedApproximately 48 grams of rice protein is needed to reach the effective leucine threshold, compared to 25 grams of whey protein.

Not SupportedA study comparing whey versus rice protein did not mention the difference in leucine content.

Partially SupportedAnimal-based proteins like whey have a higher leucine percentage than wheat protein.

Partially SupportedRice protein and whey protein support similar muscle gain over eight weeks when resistance training is performed.

Partially SupportedCarnivore meals containing at least 100 grams of fat resulted in completely clear blood serum two hours post-meal.

Partially SupportedBlood lipid measurements taken at a single time point lack context and do not account for other influencing factors.

Partially SupportedIt is possible to achieve ketosis through multiple dietary approaches, but not all approaches constitute a well-formulated or optimal ketogenic diet.

Partially SupportedKetones can stimulate or trigger muscle protein synthesis, acting as an anabolic agent similar to leucine.

Partially SupportedThe body prioritizes minimal muscle mass for endurance athletes to efficiently provide oxygen to tissues.

Partially SupportedTim Shieff requested to be removed from 'The Game Changers' documentary after his health declined on a vegan diet and he began consuming animal products.

Partially SupportedWater fasting may reverse atherosclerosis but might not be clinically observable without significant adipose tissue for extended fasting.

Not SupportedPostprandial endotoxemia is likely caused by gut damage and leaky gut, not meat consumption.

Partially SupportedKetogenic and carnivore diets may soon be shown in published studies to reverse heart disease.

Partially SupportedKetogenic and carnivore diets may lead to regression of coronary artery calcium scores.

Not SupportedThe depiction of cloudy blood after consuming a meat burrito versus clear blood after a vegan burrito in 'The Game Changers' movie is a poor scientific representation due to confounding factors and lack of measurement.

Not SupportedPlants may not provide all necessary nutrients for long-term optimal health, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal decline, osteoporosis, depression, and GI issues.

Not SupportedA calorically restricted plant-based diet can lead to improvements, but it is not necessarily optimal for human function, longevity, and health.

Not SupportedThe necessity of carbohydrates for muscle gain has not been clearly demonstrated.

Not SupportedVegan protein powders like soy or pea protein can be contaminated with heavy metals and contain digestive enzyme inhibitors.

Not SupportedThe statement that the brain is starving for glucose and cannot utilize other fuel sources is false.

Partially SupportedGlucose decreases fat mobilization by inhibiting lipolysis and stimulating re-esterification.

Partially Supported100 grams of dry beans, when cooked, would amount to approximately one pound of beans and is metabolically challenging due to high carbohydrates and enzyme inhibitors.

Partially SupportedOn a carbohydrate-based diet, the brain uses about 120g of glucose per day; in ketosis, about 75% of this energy is derived from ketones and 25% from glucose.

Partially SupportedA calorically restricted Twinkie diet might lead to nutrient deficiency, similar to a plant-based diet.