The Nemechek Protocol – how it works, why extra virgin olive oil and DHA fish oil are its foundation, and what you should know before you start

The Nemechek Protocol™ for Autism and Developmental Disorders is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Patrick M. Nemechk, D.O. – an internist and specialist in autonomic medicine from Arizona – aimed at restoring the function of the central and autonomic nervous systems in children on the autism spectrum, with developmental delays, ADD/ADHD, and in adults following brain injuries, in neuroinflammatory conditions, and with neurodegenerative diseases.

At Kreta24, we have been observing for years how families from all over Poland—but also from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States—are turning to extra virgin olive oil specifically because of the protocol. That is why we decided to explain in one place what this approach entails, why the choice of a specific olive oil is so important, and why we offer olive oils certified by the COOC (California Olive Oil Council), tested via NMR and HPLC, with measured polyphenol concentration and D1 index.

This text is based on Dr. Nemechko’s original sources—his book “The Nemechek Protocol for Autism and Developmental Disorders. A How-To Guide to Restoring Neurological Function” (Autonomic Recovery, LLC, 2017) and materials from nemechekprotocol.com and nemechekconsultativemedicine.com, as well as on COOC standard documentation. It does not replace consultation with a doctor or the person treating the child.

About the author and the development of the protocol

Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek is an internist trained at the UCLA School of Medicine who spent 20 years treating HIV patients in Kansas City and co-founded the HIV Research Network funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

After 2004, when he observed sudden cardiac deaths resulting from cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in stable HIV patients, he began specializing in autonomic medicine, studying, among other places, at the University of Lisbon—one of the world’s leading centers for autonomic research.

After returning to Arizona and opening Nemechek Consultative Medicine, Dr. Nemechek noticed what we now call “a 40-year shift downward in the disease continuum” —conditions that once affected seniors are appearing in increasingly younger people, and symptoms of autonomic disorders and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are being observed more and more frequently in children.

What exactly is the protocol trying to fix?

In the model proposed by Dr. Nemechko, two overlapping processes underlie autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and many mood disorders in children:

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – bacteria produce excess propionic acid, which can act as a neurotoxin.
Chronic neuroinflammation – activated microglia produce inflammatory cytokines that disrupt brain maturation and regeneration.

According to Dr. Nemechko, children with ADD/ADHD or developmental delays may primarily have an inflammatory component, while children on the autism spectrum additionally have a neurotoxic component associated with propionic acid.

Four basic steps of the protocol

Restoring balance to the gut microbiota – reducing SIBO and propionic acid production.
Shifting microglia from the M1 to the M2 phenotype – DHA from fish oil is key here.
Balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Reducing inflammation through regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil rich in oleic acid (omega-9).

Why is DHA so important?

DHA is the only form of omega-3 that significantly crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects microglia. EPA and ALA do not have such a strong effect within the central nervous system.

Dr. Nemechek frequently cites NOW Foods and Nordic Naturals as brands he has used in his clinical practice.

NOW Foods DHA-500
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Nordic Naturals ProOmega
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA

Why is extra virgin olive oil the foundation of the protocol?

According to Dr. Nemechek, true extra virgin olive oil contains about 70% oleic acid (omega-9), which helps to quell inflammatory processes associated with an excess of omega-6.

The book states:

“EVOO contains 70% oleic acid, and oleic acid not only blocks but also reverses the underlying inflammation caused by excessive omega-6 fatty acids and palmitic acid toxicity.”

This is why choosing the right olive oil is not a marketing decision, but a biochemical one.

Why does COOC certification matter?

Dr. Nemechek repeatedly warns against the adulteration of extra virgin olive oil and its blending with soybean, sunflower, or other vegetable oils rich in omega-6.

That is why he recommends only oils certified by:

California Olive Oil Council (COOC)

The COOC standard is more restrictive than the IOC standard and includes:

chemical analysis,
sensory panel evaluation,
quality and freshness control,
absence of sensory defects.

Why do we offer olive oils with NMR and HPLC testing?

At Kreta24, we also offer high-polyphenol European olive oils with:

NMR testing,
HPLC testing,
polyphenol analysis,
D1 index.

These tests allow us to:

confirm the authenticity of the oil,
detect adulteration with other oils,
determine the content of oleocanthal and oleacein,
measure the polyphenol level.

As a result, families following the protocol can be confident they are choosing high-quality olive oil rich in bioactive compounds.

What should be avoided?

Dr. Nemechek recommends eliminating high-omega-6 oils:

soybean oil,
sunflower oil,
corn oil,
margarine,
baking fats.

A key part of the protocol is reading product labels and avoiding hidden sources of omega-6.

Parents’ most common questions

Can krill oil replace fish oil?

No. Dr. Nemechek points out that krill oil is a different molecule and is not recommended as a substitute for DHA from fish.

Can I use Omega 3-6-9 supplements?

No. Omega-6 supplementation may exacerbate inflammation.

Does DHA from algae work the same way?

According to Dr. Nemechek’s clinical experience, the greatest efficacy was observed with DHA from marine fish.

What will you find in our product range?

COOC-certified extra virgin olive oils
High-polyphenol olive oils with NMR and HPLC testing
NOW Foods DHA-500
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA
NOW Foods Inulin

Medical Disclaimer

This text is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Nemechka Protocol should be discussed with a doctor or specialist treating the child.

Summary

The Nemechko Protocol is based on reducing inflammation, restoring the microbiome, and supporting the nervous system through DHA, inulin, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Choosing the right olive oil is crucial—that is why we offer products with COOC certifications, NMR/HPLC testing, and confirmed polyphenol content.

The Kreta24 Team