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#153: Danielle Citrolo - Cognizin Citicoline GENE Research by Kyowa Hakko16 Oct 202400:38:39

In Episode 153 of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Danielle Citrolo, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA, to discuss exciting new research on Cognizin Citicoline.

Cognizin, an industry-leading nootropic ingredient known for its benefits in brain health, has long been praised for its ability to support focus, memory, and attention. In this episode, Danielle dives deep into the latest findings, highlighting the cutting-edge science behind how Cognizin impacts gene expression at the cellular level, offering fresh insights into how it supports cognitive function.

Analyzing Cognizin Citicoline at the Genetic Level

Danielle explains how recent studies using a sophisticated triculture model of brain cells revealed new mechanisms of action for citicoline. By examining gene expression and neuronal activity, researchers were able to uncover how Cognizin affects brain structure and function, from enhancing neuronal communication to promoting healthy cholesterol synthesis in the brain. These discoveries take the understanding of Cognizin’s benefits to the next level, offering a deeper look at how this powerful nootropic works beyond just boosting focus and attention.

Throughout the episode, Danielle also touches on the broader implications of this research, particularly in the areas of mitochondrial health and neuroprotection. With ongoing studies into its potential benefits for women’s cognitive health, sleep quality, and mood regulation, Cognizin continues to lead the way in the nootropic industry. Whether you’re a biohacker, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about the latest advancements in brain health, this episode is packed with exciting discoveries.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/danielle-citrolo-cognizin-genetic-research-153

Video: Daneille Citrolo of Kyowa Hakko Talks Cognizin Gene Research

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g53Mb2PpEf8

  • (00:00) – Introduction to Danielle
  • (02:15) – Exploring the New Study on Cognizin
  • (07:15) – Understanding Metabolomics and Cognizin
  • (12:15) – The Triculture Model Explained
  • (18:00) – Gene Expression and Cognizin’s Impact
  • (23:45) – Future Research Directions and Applications
  • (28:15) – Potential in Women’s Health and Cognitive Function
  • (36:30) – Conclusion and Future Studies

Where to Find Danielle and Kyowa Hakko USA

Thanks for joining us, Daneille! Please subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform and leave us reviews!

#152: Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott: NNB Nutrition Takes on GLP-1, MPS, and Collaborative Energy09 Oct 202401:44:52

In Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Shawn Wells, Chief Science Officer, and Dustin Elliott, the new Chief Brand Officer at NNB Nutrition, to explore the innovative world of nutraceuticals and the exciting future of the company. Shawn, a returning guest, shares his insights on NNB’s cutting-edge ingredient development, while Dustin discusses his new role and the brand-building strategies he’s implementing to drive demand for their premium ingredients in the U.S. market.

The episode dives deep into NNB’s latest innovations, including the highly anticipated ingredient, Dileucine (DL-185), which is poised to make a significant impact in the world of muscle protein synthesis. The conversation also covers the potential of dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage) as a powerful GLP-1 agonist, providing an accessible alternative to popular pharmaceuticals for blood sugar control and appetite suppression.

Listeners will also get an inside look at NNB’s product development process, including the science behind their hydration formula, ElectroPrime, and the fermentation-based innovation, SalidroPure, which offers a sustainable and potent alternative to traditional Rhodiola extract. The guys also talk about NNB’s involvement in the big XPO NRG collaborative promotional energy drink made for SupplySide West.

The episode then takes a pretty wild twist at the end, with Shawn explaining his psychedelic experiences and how he uses dietary supplements to replete his neurotransmitters.

Packed with fascinating insights from two industry leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge science behind functional ingredients and the growing influence of the nutraceutical industry.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/shawn-wells-dustin-elliott-nnb-nutrition-152

Video: Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott on NNB Nutrition’s Growth and Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bRAYNXNFnk

Detailed Show Notes: Shawn and Dustin Talk GLP-1, MPS, Collab Energy, and… Pyschadelic Supplement Stacks?!

  • (0:00) – Introductions
  • (7:30) – GLP-1 Trends
  • (14:00) – GlucoVantage (Dihydroberberine) Branding
  • (22:15) – ElectroPrime and Hydration
  • (30:00) – Dustin’s Trip to China
  • (35:45) – SalidroPure: Pure Salidroside Replacing Rhodiola Crenulata
  • (42:30) – The XPO NRG Energy Drink Collab at SupplySide West
  • (49:45) – How MitoPrime Works
  • (59:00) – XPO NRG Energy Drink Continued
  • (1:07:45) – Alpha-GPC
  • (1:10:45) – Grains of Paradise
  • (1:15:30) – Halloween and Leaving SupplySide West early
  • (1:19:45) – Shawn’s Story with Psychedelics
  • (1:28:15) – Post-Journey Repletion: Shawn’s Supplement Ingredients
  • (1:39:45) – Conclusion

This episode was filmed at Nutramedia’s headquarters in Houston, TX.

Where to Find Dustin, Shawn, and NNB Nutrition

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#143: Dan Lourenço #6: Ghost Legend V4 and the Ghost 100 Year Plan17 Jul 202401:25:07

Ghost Lifestyle founder and CEO Dan Lourenço is back for his six appearance on the PricePlow Podcast, and this one’s quite the catch-up, with discussion of all things big and small.

This episode focuses mainly on the Ghost Legend V4 launch, which brings a massive formula (look at the size of the tub in the picture) yet at a lower price.

We get into the economics and data (or lack thereof) for this decision, then catch up on other launches such as Ghost Energy (new flavor teased at the end), Clear Whey Isolate, Ghost Protein Cereal, minor changes to Legend ALL OUT, the Protein RTD, and the delayed-but-forthcoming Ghost Sleep supplement.

Looking to the Future: The Ghost 100 Year Plan

But a bigger-picture part of this discussion that cannot be missed is Dan’s discussion of the Ghost 100 Year Plan, where he’s focusing on building a legacy company the likes of Nike or Oreo that will outlast all of us. To do so, he’s building a “team of lifers”, who he refers to as teammates, not employees.

This was a great episode with some fun banter, supplement history and economics, rapid-fire product release discussion, and the big shop talk discussed above. Get in, and get ready for the huge Legend V4 tubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ili8e5sdAuw

Show notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-lourenco-ghost-lifestyle-143

Legend V4 Launch Special: Show Notes with Dan Lourenço

  • (0:00) – Introductions
  • (12:00) – 30 Serving Tubs to Remain!
  • (17:30) – Legend Throughout the Years
  • (24:15) – Caffeine
  • (31:00) – Natural Colors
  • (41:15) – Steady Legend Prices
  • (44:45) – The Ghost 100 Year Plan
  • (50:00) – Biggest Challenges
  • (55:15) – Focusing on the Brand, not Competitors
  • (59:30) – GHOST Energy
  • (1:04:15) – Clear Whey
  • (1:09:00) – Shifting Industry Image
  • (1:12:45) – Brand Authenticity
  • (1:17:15) – Upcoming formulas
  • (1:21:30) – What’s Coming Next?

How to Find Dan

Dan’s still off Instagram! But you can follow him and his brands at the following locations:

You can also sign up for PricePlow’s Ghost Lifestyle news alerts so that you never miss a drop – and there are a lot of them to cover.

Subscribe to the The PricePlow Podcast on any platform and leave us a good review on iTunes and Spotify!

#053: Marc Lobliner - Outright Bars and Adding Velositol to Outright Breakfast Bars12 Oct 202100:25:00

On October 9th, 2021, we sat down with Marc Lobliner, Chief Marketing Officer of TigerFitness and CEO of MTS Nutrition. Most recently, Marc is the inventor of the Outright Bar and Outright Breakfast Bar, and Ben traveled to Tennessee to discuss the history of the product and the unique advantages of its key protein-boosting ingredient, Velositol.

Marc walks us through the thought process that led him to the formulation of the Outright Breakfast Bar, which he intended to be a “whole food protein bar” that could serve as a meal replacement, and help sustain athletes during long games by giving them a balanced macronutrient intake and good digestion.

Listen to him explain why Velositol, which enhances the uptake of post-workout protein and increases muscle protein synthesis, was key to designing a bar that could fill this variety of needs.

Talking Velositol, Outright Breakfast Bars, and More with Marc Lobliner

Marc gives us some great insights on how a product can be formulated for the widest possible appeal. For Marc, this began as an emphasis on child nutrition — the idea for the Outright Bar was conceived during one of his daughter’s soccer matches, where Marc wanted to feed her something that would enhance her performance, but realized that the bars available to him were all going to detract from it.

Then we pick his brain on the safety profile of Nutrition 21’s Velositol (spoiler alert: it’s very safe), and the general risks associated with being an innovator who’s the first one to market a new ingredient.

Finally, Marc gives us some great thoughts on marketing a product and running a company, and what to look for when you consider buying someone else’s product. He also gives us some sage advice for anyone who wants to start a company of their own.

If you enjoyed hearing from Marc as much as we did, check out the Outright Bar at our affiliate links below, and read our articles titled Velositol: The Missing Link for Protein Bars and Velositol: Enhancing Muscle Protein Synthesis with Science.

More details from the conversation:


  • Why Velositol in outright bars?

    • Ben: over time, the protein content of “protein bars” has gone down
    • Marc: Outright Bar was designed to be a “whole food” protein bar — something with a good mix of different macros and natural ingredients, as opposed to existing products which were full of gut irritants such as glycerol and prebiotic fiber, or caused blood sugar swings
    • Velositol chosen to make Outright Breakfast Bars “better than breakfast” as a meal replacement, not just a supplemental protein snack — increases bioavailability of protein and gives it a longer, more even rate of digestion
      • Because Velositol increases the uptake of protein, it allows one to use less protein but get the same effect
        • Cuts costs
        • Also helps people who can’t eat big meals in the morning, since Velositol decreases your protein requirements

  • Outright Bar launched in 2018

    • Launched as individually wrapped product
    • Marc: My original goal was to earn enough for my family to eat Outright bars for free
      • T…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#052: Chris Bumstead Joins Raw Nutrition Ownership Team, Launches Product Line02 Oct 202100:35:38

On September 13, 2021, Raw Nutrition announced that they added a new partner to their ownership team — the 2019 and 2020 Classic Physique Mr. Olympia himself, Chris Bumstead!

Chris had already been a sponsored athlete on the Revive MD team, and we covered his story (and his love for Revive MD Kidney) in an earlier athlete profile titled Chris Bumstead: “The Comeback Kid”. Now, however, he’s making his biggest move yet, joining Dr. Domenic Iacovone and Matt Jansen as co-owners of Raw Nutrition!

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we interview the three men and talk about their story, their plans for the brand, and what’s going to happen to Chris’ CBUM product line.

We’re extremely grateful for this interview, since Chris is just 8 days out from Mr. Olympia!

Video: Join Chris Bumstead, Matt Jansen, and Dr. Dom Iacovone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCOJiMVgHSU

Update: The Raw Nutrition CBUM Thavage Pre Workout is now out!

Additional Notes

Chris parted ways very amicably with his former sponsor, Jacked Factory. Since they were already in the process of developing the CBUM product line, they decided to share the labels and for the first manufacturing run, both companies would donate profits to two different canine charities, since everyone involved are dog lovers.

Upon joining Raw Nutrition, one of his first tasks was to reduce the price of Raw Pre Extreme, which his fans stated was too expensive. Chris actually reads his comments, and wants to pull his community into the Raw Nutrition picture.

Matt and Dom talk about the decision, the collaboration, and how they’ve turned their facility into the elite training crew of this generation.

We’ll also learn about Chris’ supplement stack (he loves his beta alanine, still uses Revive MD Kidney, and has plenty of others to share), learn his favorite snack recipes, get some dog stories, and more.

You can follow Chris on Instagram at @cbum and Raw Nutrition @getrawnutrition, and sign up for our Raw Nutrition alerts below so that you don’t miss any news when the products drop! We definitely expect to have Dr. Dom and/or Matt back on in the future, so subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast too.

#051: Season 2 Kickoff - Mike and Ben Catch Up on 202101 Oct 202101:45:04

Welcome to Season 2 of the PricePlow Podcast!

Mike and Ben get together for a long-overdue podcast to catch up on 2021 and to kick off Season 2 of the PricePlow Podcast! We talk about several topics, including:

  • The economy

  • Hiring help at PricePlow

  • Product Launches of 2021

  • What’s coming in Q4-2021 and 2022

  • Immunity, metabolic health, and dealing in dystopia

  • FDA Enforcement (or lack thereof)

  • Stimulants and caffeine detoxes

  • Upcoming guests

Video: Listen to Mike and Ben catch up on 2021 and discuss the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJxO6Nwg-o

Topics Covered in Detail

Mike begins by mentioning who he’s interested in reaching, and speaks of “The Remnant”, which is an idea from Isaiah’s Job. They catch up and discuss the following:

  • The economy

    Are supplements safe? Will our supply chains stay in tact? How bad will things get? Will we be able to safely hire someone (see next point)?

    Later on we also discuss the state of “hyperinflation” we’re seeing in the economy and how Millennials like Ben have been priced out of the housing market for now. Will it come back down to earth?

  • Hiring at PricePlow

    We’re going to be looking for a like-minded individual who’s autonomous, zealous about supplements, and a great technical writer. The job’s not posted yet, but would love to hear from anyone with the following qualities:

    • Incredible technical writer
    • 11/10 in terms of organization
    • Can post in WordPress (training provided)
    • Can manage and engage our YouTube channel (training provided)
    • Can post contest giveaways via Buffer (training provided)

    Contact us if you’re interested!

  • Product Launches of 2021

    We’ve been very impressed with the new Performax Labs rebrand, Unbound, everything Ghost has done for their year of the V2, ingredient launches at NNB Nutrition like ergothioneine, how much Doug Miller (Episode #050) is keeping us busy at CORE / Merica / Arms Race, how Dr. Dom Iacovone and Matt Jansen are literally taking over bodybuilding and bringing Raw Nutrition and Revive MD with them, and far more. Don’t sleep on Kaged lately either!

  • Immunity, metabolic health, and dealing in dystopia

    Mike’s immunity stack for the “dark winter”:

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#050: Doug Miller - Protein Prices on the Rise: Figuring it Out with CORE Nutritionals16 Sep 202100:49:00

Doug Miller of CORE Nutritionals, Merica Labz, Merica Energy, and Arms Race Nutrition joins up with Team PricePlow to discuss some hot news in the supplement industry – supply chain woes and the rising prices of protein – especially dairy protein.

Since this was Doug’s first time on the PricePlow Podcast, he gives a full introduction, with his background and entrance to the supplement industry. It all began with Core MRP, a meal replacement that didn’t contain Maltodextrin (a very rare thing 15 years ago), and as Doug’s bodybuilding career advanced, Core Nutritionals did as well.

Then, we get into the meat of the conversation, which has to do with rising protein prices, and how the CORE team is responding to the issues in the supply chain:

Video: Listen to Doug Miller discuss Core Nutritionals, supply chain, and protein prices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePB6L3n8CCo

“Figure it out”

Beyond that, we also discuss CORE’s move to North Carolina, how working with the team involves a lot of “figuring it out”, and how everyone has to work multiple jobs until new full-time positions are made. Once prompted, Doug also explains the type of person he hires – he doesn’t look for education or training, but a mentality.

Doug is incredibly open and honest in this episode, especially regarding the pricing issues, which many brands are hiding. He also makes it very clear that this was the option of last resort

Finally, don’t miss some of the discussion on pre workout supplements, where we discuss how much we’ve been liking the new Merica Labz Red, White, & BOOM.

Sign up for news alerts on all of Doug’s brands:

Use PricePlow to Save on CORE Nutritionals Supplements

Use PricePlow to Save on Merica Labz Supplements

Use PricePlow to Save on Arms Race Nutrition Supplements

#049: Dihydroberberine - A Better Berberine (Shawn Wells, NNB Nutrition)07 Aug 202100:41:36

One of the most popular dietary supplement ingredients on the planet — especially in terms of metabolic health — is berberine. Today we discuss a new ingredient that actually makes berberine obsolete.

Berberine is a powerful plant alkaloid that improves the body’s insulin response, with large amounts of scientific research showing significant improvements to insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c reduction, nutrient partitioning, and far more. It’s even outperformed pharmaceutical drugs.

We’ve covered berberine in detail in the article linked above, ultimately finding that while it’s the most impressive ingredient in any blood sugar supplement or glucose disposal agent, it has drawbacks, which include high doses required and GI distress. Both of those problems are solved with one of its derivatives that we specifically cover in this article: dihydroberberine.

Think berberine is good? Take a look at dihydroberberine

Research suggests that dihydroberberine is up to six times better than standard berberine, bringing incredible effects at lower doses — and fewer side effects.

In this article, we assume you have knowledge of berberine’s effects (if not, you can see our berberine article linked above), but jump directly into discussion of this dihydro form. It’s sold as GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition, one of the supplement industry’s most promising novel ingredient developers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdaS8QsGaV4

Audio Podcast Version and Free Subscription Options

Burn fat, not sugar

The world of diet and fat loss can be overwhelming, but one quick rule to live by is this: when you’re burning sugar, you’re not burning fat. In fact, we’ve known for decades that when either blood glucose levels or insulin levels are elevated, fat oxidation significantly slows. If these levels remain elevated for too long, we introduce insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which brings with it a myriad of diseases.

This isn’t to say that we’re against foods like carbohydrates that raise blood sugar (and insulin) levels, because we’re not. Instead, it means that we need to get our carbs to where we want them (muscle tissue!) and get back to a fat-metabolizing state as soon as possible. Berberine, and to a greater extent, dihydroberberine, make that happen better and faster.

We of course still recommend a healthy diet low in refined carbs and void of industrial processed seed oils high in omega-6. But with the above supplemental strategy (which is highlighted in our main berberine article), we can remain more insulin-sensitive, and less likely to be as toxic with sugar and insulin in our blood stream wreaking havoc.

With that goal in mind, we can talk about a new, more-efficient way to achieve it, all while avoiding the massive doses (1.5 grams per day!) and gastrointestinal distress that can be brought by standard, low-bioavailability berberine:

What is dihydroberberine?

Dihydroberberine (DHB) is one of the 17 metabolites of berberine, and a major part of the greater berberine life cycle as the body metabolizes it. Structurally, it’s a hydrogenated metabolite of berberine, which itself has markedly better oral bioavailability than berberine itself.

The berberine end-around play

The concern, at this point, is that if you take the more-bioavailable dihydroberberine, do you miss out on the 16 other metabolites that may have been providing some of berberine’s benefits? The answer is no, because of the way be…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#048: Shawn Wells - New STIMULANT Coming, The Energy Formula, Handling 2020, and Beyond27 Jul 202101:12:01

Update: This new stimulant is out! It’s paraxanthine, and is marketed as “enfinity” from Shawn’s new partnership with NNB Nutrition’s Kylin Liao and a couple of other supplement innovators. Read about it in our article titled MuscleTech Reveals New Workout Stimulant: enfinity brand Paraxanthine!.

Shawn Wells, Chief Science Officer of NNB Nutrition, is back on the PricePlow Podcast to talk about his new book, The Energy Formula, how he handled 2020, and most important to many of our followers… his new stimulant!

We’ve had Shawn on the PricePlow Podcast several times, with many episodes revolving around specific ingredients. This one is a more general chat and in-person catch-up, but zeroes in on a few topics including the new stimulant that can replace caffeine and Shawn’s plant-based medicine experiences.

Video: Shawn Wells Discusses All Things Energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdr7hOdc4CQ

You can read our The Energy Formula book review and sign up for our Shawn Wells & NNB Nutrition news alerts for when more things happen regarding Shawn or the novel ingredient supplier he works for.

In the next episode, we get more specific and discuss dihydroberberine.

#047: Darin Decker - Kaged Muscle Innovation and Navigating the Supplement Industry20 Jul 202101:29:33

Darin Decker of Kaged Muscle Supplements joins Ben to catch up on an old friendship and discuss the latest and greatest in the supplement industry. This is a fantastic episode to learn some of the underpinnings of the business from a completely different angle and historical viewpoint.

They begin by talking about Darin’s background, which is actually from Groupon, which then brought him to Bodybuilding.com and then on to Kaged Muscle and the supplement industry at large.

This one is a must-listen for anyone who’s a customer of Kaged Muscle, an industry employee, or someone looking to enter the dietary supplement industry.

More detailed notes are below, but let’s get right to the video and audio embeds on the blog:

Video: Listen to Darin Decker talk about Kaged Muscle and the Supplement Industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEd_Lrnv7yo

The future at Kaged Muscle: Catching up with Darin Decker

In the episode, several topics are discussed, such as:

  • Abundance mentality in the supplement industry (we all can win!)
  • How anyone can get a job in the supplement industry
  • Living in Boise, ID
  • Kaged Muscle’s evolution and future goals
  • (1:08:40) – Who is Kaged Muscle’s Customer?

As always, you can find Kaged Muscle supplements at kagedmuscle.com/collections/all-products – be sure to use coupon code PRICEPLOW!

Use PricePlow to Save on Kaged Muscle Supplements

#046: Chris Waldrum - Catching Up with Inspired Nutraceuticals11 Jun 202100:58:24

Chris Waldrum, the well-known supplement formulation and branding expert behind Inspired Nutraceuticals, joins the PricePlow Podcast to catch up on what happened in 2019 and 2020, and what’s coming in 2021.

Chris focuses on his style, new partnerships, why he put the brakes on in 2020, and some transparent formulation decisions in some of their new supplements.

He then gets into plans for the rest of 2021, that start with a sold-out amino launch, a new DVST Premium Pre Workout formula that’s going to use the patented new 3D Pump Breakthrough, updated FSU, a gut health supplement, protein updates, and far more!

Video: Watch Chris Waldrum Talk Inspired Nutraceuticals in 2019, 2020, and 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpEx60zCvEQ

PS: Don’t miss the discussion on Inspired’s Australian RTD, which almost nobody in America has been able to achieve!

#045: Authority Report #02 - Joey Savage, Kenton Engel, Drew Peters, Tim Gritzman10 Apr 202102:26:00

In the second episode of The PricePlow Authority Report, we invite supplement industry experts back on to discuss ongoing news in the dietary supplement industry.

Today’s episode has four experts:

The show kicks off with a user-posed question, and then rolls into more recent industry news.

Video: Watch the Authority Report Roundtable #02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1L9rU201N4

See some of the best supplements from Glaxon:

#044: Authority Report #01 - Joey Savage, Kenton Engel, Drew Peters, Tim Gritzman01 Mar 202102:43:43

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The PricePlow Authority Report, a series of podcasts run on The PricePlow Podcast where we invite industry veterans to discuss the ongoing news in the supplement industry.

In this first episode, we gather four expert class supplement influencers:

In this first episode, the group talks a lot about involvement and regulation in the industry, with specific regards to the FDA but other regulatory arms.

Video: Watch the Authority Report Roundtable #01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3KetDulRY

See some of the best supplements from Glaxon:

#142: Chad Kerksick - Dileucine, Dihydroberberine, & GLP-1 Research (2 of 2)10 Jul 202401:00:21

In Episode 142 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben continue the conversation with Chad Kerksick, President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). We met Chad in Episode #141 — he’s an esteemed researcher in exercise science and nutrition. This episode delves deeper into the specifics of study design and the exploration of innovative ingredients in the supplement industry, namely NNB Nutrition’s RAMPS Dileucine (DL185) and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine.

In this continuation, the focus shifts to the practical applications of Chad’s research and his insights into the latest trends and advancements in sports nutrition.

Chad kicks off the discussion by recounting his initial experiences with study design. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration to avoid common pitfalls and ensure the validity of the findings.

RAMPS Dileucine and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine

The conversation then transitions to specific ingredients, with a spotlight on NNB Nutrition’s RAMPS Dileucine (DL185) and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine. Chad shares his experiences with these compounds, discussing their potential benefits and the nuances of incorporating them into research studies. He provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with novel ingredients, offering practical advice for both researchers and industry professionals.

GLP-1 Agonists

One of the key highlights of this episode is the discussion on targeting new areas of research, particularly GLP-1 agonists. Chad explores the potential of these compounds in weight management and metabolic health, drawing parallels with existing pharmaceutical interventions and the quest for natural alternatives. He outlines the steps involved in designing effective studies to evaluate these ingredients, emphasizing the importance of understanding their mechanisms of action and physiological impacts.

Throughout the episode, Chad’s expertise shines through as he navigates complex topics with ease, providing listeners with knowledge and practical takeaways. Whether you’re a researcher, a supplement industry professional, or simply a health enthusiast, this episode is packed with information and insights.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chad-kerksick-dileucine-dihydroberberine-glp-142

Video: Chad Kerksick Researches Dileucine, Dihydroberberine, and GLP-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWH9rJ-sIbM

Show Notes with Chad Kerksick – Part 2 of 2

  • (0:00) – Chad Kerksick Pt. 2
  • (5:00) – Defining Terms: “Trained Individual”
  • (12:00) – Understanding Ingredients
  • (17:45) – Study design around dileucine
  • (24:00) – Simplifying training regimens
  • (30:58) – Formulating a supplement with dileucine
  • (36:15) – Training for the study
  • (43:15) – Berberine’s potential
  • (48:30) – Measuring appetite
  • (54:15) – Dihydroberberine

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#043: Brian "Ike" Ikalina Joins Alpha Prime Supps27 Feb 202100:27:10

Brian Ikalina, also known as “Ike”, has joined Alpha Prime Supps! In this episode, Brian discusses his transition and plans for the growing brand!

Video: Watch Brian Ikalina talk about joining Team Alpha Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQAeyMmhzjg

Earlier, we named Alpha Prime Supps as 2021’s brand to watch, so we’re expecting big things out of Ike!

#042: Dr. Domenic Iacovone - Revive MD's Future is Bright24 Feb 202100:56:18

Ben is joined by Revive MD‘s Dr. Domenic Iacovone to discuss the Revive MD’s present and future. Dr. Dom has a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Microbiology and went to Atlanta to get his Doctorate, completing his residency at the Synergy Sports Institute which is utilized by NFL players. With such a background, he’s always trying to be innovative, and this episode shows just how much he’s committing to that.

Dr. Dom is extremely excited to announce Revive MD is now providing blood tests for free to those with insurance and heavily discounted for those without insurance

The video and audio feeds are below, with more show notes after that:

Video: Watch Dr. Domenic Iacovone Talk About Revive MD’s Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoFRlk0MG4

More than just a supplement brand, Revive MD is one of the only fully franchised medical facilities in the world, and every facility has an MD, a nurse practitioner, and a full-time nurse. They go where your standard primary care office is afraid to go, and where some are afraid to ask. For instance, they’re not just a company providing hormones, they offer a myriad of additional services beside hormone replacement such as non-surgical facelifts, stem cell therapy, IV vitamin therapy, weight loss hormone replacement therapy, and more. Dr. Domenic explains that they staff physical therapists, and chiropractors.

Big on peptide therapy

However, Revive MD does not push hormones heavily, and is very big on peptide therapy. They’re also very big on non-controlled substances to push the body to do what it’s naturally supposed to do in the first place. Revive MD is research and science driven, but they work with athletes, and are coming hard at the “legal performance enhancement” side of the game.

Will Wallace hired on

As they’re moving towards the future as an extremely unique company in the industry, Revive MD hired Will Wallace from Life Extension, who is worth his weight in gold. They continue to move very talented people to Florida, and Dr. Dom strives to ensure their entire business is built on education and intellectuals.

Looking to the future, Dr. Dom wants to be better than a brick and mortar store, he wants to be a “Whole Foods” of his niche. He doesn’t mind the brick and mortar model, but his vision for Revive MD is bigger than that. They are planning some very exciting things for the future and will release products to brick and mortar before they are released to the public.

They also have a goal of supporting small businesses, which is critical in 2021. Additionally, Revive MD is working and collaborating with several professional athletes along with Will Wallace to bring out a big release that will be divulged at a later date.

This was a phenomenal episode, and we can’t wait to hear more from Dr. Iacovone and his partner at Revive MD and RAW Nutrition, elite bodybuilding coach Matt Jansen.

Subscribe to our audio feed above, see more episodes on the main PricePlow Podcast page, and sign up for both Revive MD and RAW Nutrition alerts on PricePlow – much more to come!

#041: Dan Lourenço #2 - The State of Supplements in Esports05 Feb 202100:42:26

In February of 2021, Dan Lourenco, co-founder and CEO of Ghost Lifestyle, jumped back on the PricePlow Podcast. Hot off the heels of episode #035, where he discussed updates to Ghost Energy, this was a far different episode talking about one thing only: supplements in esports, also known as “gaming supplements”.

Dan gives a world of credit to G-FUEL, the “OG” gaming supplement, but talks about the difference with Ghost Gamer, which uses the clinically-studied nootropic gaming ingredient, NooLVL from Nutrition21. What’s great about NooLVL is that it’s been studied on real gamers playing modern games, unlike other nootropic studies done on the elderly in cognitive decline.

The conversation steers towards how gaming saved the mental sanity for so many in 2020, and in the business world, is becoming the modern and younger version of golfing for meetings.

Video: Watch Dan talk about Gaming and Esports Supplements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxm-FVElSxQ

After a pivotal year for Ghost launching Gamer and partnering with XSET, Dan has a lot of momentum in the e-sports category. Listen to the episode above to get a taste of what’s coming, and how both Ghost and XSET are transcending their own demographics.

#040: Greg Helton - Nutra Innovations' New President02 Feb 202100:29:02

Meet Greg Helton, the new President of Nutra Innovations, a manufacturer-backed supplement company with some powerful products that Greg’s been chartered to rebrand and rebuild from the ground up!

In this episode, we hear about Greg’s background, where he talks about his 8+ year history in the sports supplement industry. In college, he worked with various brands as a freelancer, and then became the Chief Marketing Officer of MuscleSport. There, he was in charge of the entire family of brands (which also includes Kodiak) and stayed close to the manufacturing process to ensure consistency.

In 2021, Greg moved on to Nutra Innovations, with big plans detailed lower down, and still has the benefits of being backed by a manufacturer.

Listen on the PricePlow Podcast audio feeds or see the video below:

Watch our interview with Greg Helton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LQvTeA7Uyg

Greg’s Favorite Supplements: The Nutra Innovations Pre Workouts

Greg is most excited about the Epitome pre workout (blog post soon to come) alongside 24HR Pump, a stimulant-free pump supplement. In a full 21.6g scoop of Epitome, there’s three forms of caffeine (totaling 400mg caffeine), a full clinical 1.5g dosage of Nitrosigine, and plenty of added stimulants such as advanced forms of PEA and a heavy-hitting dose of alpha yohimbine. To put it simply, a full scoop of Epitome is not for rookies!

The brand plan

Greg discusses his mission for Nutra Innovations, emphasizing that he will be building a culture, bringing on ambassadors, collaborating with other brands and ambassadors, but will also focus on brick & mortar partnerships. They discuss the survival of 2020 and how to move forward in 2021, especially for the retail stores.

Follow Greg and Nutra Innovations on PricePlow and Social Media

You can follow the brand’s revamped Instagram feed on @NutraInnovation and Greg’s personal Instagram at @TheSuppWolf.

#039: Kenton Engel - Are Supplement Industry Entrepreneurs Psychopaths?28 Jan 202101:00:20

Join Kenton Engel as he jumps on the PricePlow Podcast to discuss some of the demographics of the supplement industry, and how they may be holding the sports nutrition industry back from what it’s truly capable of:

Check out our interview with Kenton below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3zi2PNA1M

Or see the audio feeds on the PricePlow Podcast:

In this episode, Kenton gives his opinion about the supplement industry’s limit on funding, innovation, and growth due to our relation to the pharmaceutical industry. He explains where changes need to be if the industry wants to grow as a community. Using the big 5 personality test, Kenton talks about common traits in leaders of different industries and specifically looks at our industry.

Kenton’s Supplement Workings

Kenton is known for his work at the following three companies:

A big thanks to Kenton! Be sure to subscribe to the feeds above, and to go to the three pages above and sign up for alerts if you’re interested in following the three brands. The rest of our podcast episodes are listed on our PricePlow Podcast page.

#038: Shaun Clarida - The "Giant Killer" Wins 212 Mr. Olympia18 Jan 202100:21:31

On January 15th, 2021, Ben spoke with the new 212 Mr. Olympia and NutraBio athlete, Shaun “Giant Killer” Clarida. In just under 25 minutes, they cover various topics, such as:

  • Shaun’s history in bodybuilding
  • How Shaun became a professional bodybuilder
  • Shaun’s relationship with his coach, Matt Jansen, and John “Mountain Dog” Meadows
  • Diet
  • Training
  • Supplementation
  • How Shaun overcame the naysayers to become the 2020 212 Mr. Olympia

…and more. The best part is how Shaun loved the process the entire way up. This wasn’t just about social media fame, it was about truly loving the sport.

Check out PricePlow’s exclusive interview with Shaun below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESnS9oQR7xI

Or see the audio feeds on the PricePlow Podcast:

Shaun Clarida’s Top NutraBio Supplements

Shaun joined Team NutraBio in February of 2020. Much like the way NutraBio has disrupted things up for their larger competitors, Shaun is known as “The Giant Killer” due to his picture-perfect symmetry and conditioning take down other bigger and taller competitors. He’s one of the top 212 Pro Bodybuilders and hails from New Jersey, NutraBio’s home base, making the duo a perfect match – especially since both train without compromise.

Some of Shaun’s favorite NutraBio supplements are:

Learn more from our 2020 article announcing when Shaun Clarida joined NutraBio, celebrate Shaun’s win with NutraBio’s limited-edition Shaun Clarida 100% Whey Isolate Ice Cream Cookie Dream tub, and read The NutraBio Story to see the parallels between Shaun and his sponsor.

Congratulations once again to Shaun and the whole team at NutraBio!

#037: The 2020 Supplement Industry Awards11 Jan 202103:58:48

In late December 2020, Team PricePlow connected to record our 2020 Supplement Industry Awards.

You can listen to a one long podcast (subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast using the links below) or watch each separate video on YouTube below.

Enjoy and congratulations to all companies that were discussed!

  • 2020 Supplement Industry Recap

    It goes without saying that 2020 was a wild year. But what did that mean for the supplement industry? What brands (and stores) were best-positioned, and which ones weren’t?

    Before getting into specific awards, Team PricePlow discusses the year at large in their 2020 supplement industry recap video below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXV0M4RS8E

  • 2020 Brand of the Year: Ghost

    This year, there really wasn’t much of an argument. One brand stood above all others in terms of impact on the industry, with a ton of extremely strong product and flavor launches on a consistent basis. That brand was GHOST Lifestyle.

    With everything ranging from incredibly-formulated skin care support (Ghost Glow) to multivitamins (Ghost Multi) and greens (Ghost Greens) to incredible Ghost Whey protein flavors (and even their High Protein Hot Cocoa Mix) to energy drinks (Ghost Energy) and a gaming supplement (Ghost Gamer), this brand really came of age in 2020.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbHXAbccRSw

    Ghost was the topic of conversation with nearly every other brand, and they were clearly ready to run the table, regardless of whatever else happened in 2020. At this clip, expect the same, if not more, in 2021.

    In terms of the competition, we loved NutraBio’s community outreach with their First Response initiative, and one thing we realized over the course of the rest of our filming was that CORE Nutritionals made a solid case for themselves as well, as did the brand discussed next:

  • 2020 Breakout Brand of the Year: Glaxon

    At the end of 2019, we said that Glaxon would be the “Brand to Watch in 2020” (YouTube video here), and that was right on the money. Simply put, the “Goons” broke out.

    A brand that made some noise at the end of 2019 with a very hard-hitting Specimen pre workout started making waves in the retail scene, and it was clear they were on to something. They were putting out strong and very uniquely formulated supplements that simply kicked. And it only got better over the course of the year, as you can see on our Glaxon News page.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TI5YZMOTEo

    Other potentials were the Revive MD……

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#036: Guerrilla Chemist #2 - Chemix's New 2020 and 2021 Supplements06 Jan 202101:40:55

On New Year’s Eve, Mike and Ben spoke with The Guerrilla Chemist (TGC), the co-founder and CEO of Chemix Lifestyle, who specializes in formulations and product development.

As discussed in our first podcast episode with The Guerrilla Chemist, TGC is a bona-fide chemist and one of the most well-respected formulators in the industry due to his intensive background in education. With a Masters of Science in both organic and biochemistry from the University of Central Florida and Georgia Tech, TGC is the real deal.

We discuss how Chemix Lifestyle did in 2020 and his process in formulating, innovating, and sourcing his wild and unique dietary supplement ingredients. If you want to learn more about TGC, follow him on Instagram (@theguerrillachemist) because he consistently posts in-depth ingredient explanations and so much more.

In just under two hours, they covered several different and intriguing topics including:

Check out the Full January 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview With TGC from Chemix!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtrgpkl3zxI

Check out our Chemix page to sign up for news alerts and save, listen to our first podcast with Guerrilla Chemist, and see all PricePlow Podcast episodes!

#035: Dan Lourenço & Ryan Hughes - Ghost Lifestyle and Energy21 Dec 202001:07:33

In December of 2020, we got the chance to speak with Dan Lourenco and Ryan Hughes, co-founders of Ghost. In just over an hour, they covered several interesting topics, including:

  • Ghost Energy launch
  • Ghost Energy V2 (new packaging, formula, and flavor!)
  • Ghost 2020 recap (how Ghost overcame several obstacles to make 2020 the best year yet)
  • Ghost 2020 stats
  • How Ghost values partnerships even during times of hardships
  • What the future of sports nutrition retail may look like
  • Ghost’s plans for 2021 (V2 edition of Ghost’s sports nutrition line!)
  • Ben’s thoughts on Legend V2
  • A higher stim Ghost Legend
  • Ghost’s entrance into Canada
  • Other brands copying Ghost

Needless to say, this is a podcast that you don’t want to miss, so make sure that you stay tuned until the very end!

Check Out the Full December 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview with Dan and Ryan at Ghost!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjnHHMQzCg

Key Timestamps

  • (0:48) – How Ghost Energy V1 performed
  • (4:45) – Unexpected challenges with the launch of Ghost Energy
  • (18:00) – Ghost Energy V2 (new formula and the next flavor!)
  • (23:00) – Did Ghost consider using any other nootropic based ingredients in Ghost Energy?
  • (24:10) – Why Ghost switched to two-tone packaging for Ghost Energy
  • (25:30) – 2020 Recap (Gamer, Glow, Greens, Multi, Bubblicious, Nutter Butter)
  • (37:00) – 2020 Ghost Stats
  • (39:00) – Ghost Canada (the challenges of going international)
  • (41:00) – Dan’s thoughts on brands copying Ghost or wanting to be the next “Ghost”
  • (42:50) – How did GNC’s bankruptcy and COVID affect Ghost?
  • (45:00) – The importance of partnerships and Ghost’s decision to be exclusive
  • (51:00) – The future of sports nutrition retail (will Ghost ever be in large chains like Walmart or Target?)
  • (53:21) – Ghost 2021 (Sports Nutrition V2: Ghost Legend V2, Ghost Size V2, Ghost Pump V2, New flavor collaborations, more Ghost Energy, Protein RTDs, and Functional Foods)
  • (55:33) – Ben’s thoughts and feedback on Ghost Legend V2 (what you can expect)
  • (58:20) – A higher stim Ghost Legend on the way?
  • (1:01:03) – Dan and Ryan’s closing thoughts

As always, check out our Ghost News page and sign up for notifications to get new product news, coupons, and price drop alerts. Links to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast are above.

Ghost Energy is listed below, and you can learn more about it at our Ghost Energy blog post.

#034: Shawn Wells #6 | Mitochondrial Health - Optimize the Power of 'Mito'07 Nov 202001:17:06

When looking for an additional boost in energy, we often turn to stimulants and other supplements to provide a jolt. While this usually does the trick temporarily, how often do we take a step back and ask why we needed the kickstart to begin with? Maybe the previous night’s sleep wasn’t great, or a tough week at work or in the gym have left us feeling drained. What if the cause runs deeper than situational circumstances, though? What if, biologically, the body isn’t efficiently producing the energy it so desperately needs?

The human body is an extremely complex system. It houses 78 different organs, each of which have unique responsibilities, plus countless pathways/complexes that dictate overall functioning. Containing over 37 trillion cells, this vessel is incredibly complicated – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be understood. At a high level, the human body is effectively a machine, complete with power-generating mechanisms and supportive structures that ultimately enable efficient operation.

Every component in the body is important in its own right, but for the purposes of this post, we’d like to hone in one particular piece that is central to optimal functioning – the mitochondria

Meet the mitochondrion: the center of it all

Mitochondria act as energy converters at the cellular level. They take in chemical energy via food and transform it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source that cells need to operate. This fuel is used for virtually every bodily function there is, making the efficient firing of the mitochondria absolutely imperative for our health.

Mitochondria vs. Mitochondrion?!

Note that mitochondria is actually plural for mitochondrion. One mitochondrion, multiple mitochondria. These tenses are often used incorrectly, although we are generally talking about all mitochondria in the body and not just a single one.

However, outside factors can negatively influence the mitochondria, reducing their energy production and the functioning of the body itself. There are ways to right this ship, though. We can provide the body with what it needs to make mitochondria more efficient in creating clean energy. Ensuring these converters are firing on all cylinders can have a massive impact on your overall health, thanks to a steady supply of clean energy that’s sustainable for longevity.

In this post, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know in regards to mitochondrial function — what they are, how they work, and what can influence them. We’ll also discuss some sports supplements ingredients that we think have some real potential to optimize the mitochondria, some of which can be amplified when used synergistically.

As always, make sure you’re subscribed to PricePlow for the latest news and deals in the sports supplements industry. Also, be sure to check out our social media pages on YouTube and Instagram for supplement reviews and interviews.

What are the mitochondria?

Before we get into the different ways to optimize the mitochondria, we need to take things back to high school biology and discuss what they are.

Mitochondria are organelles housed within cells of almost all eukaryotic organisms, from humans to plants. Their main function is to convert chemical energy, ingested as food, into a form of usable cellular energy. Without these organelles, the cells would struggle greatly to perform their necessary operations. Cells that demand higher amounts of energy, such as human liver cells, can contain up to as many as 2,000 mitochondria. These rod-shaped structures are the batteries that make living possible.

Origin and structure

Despite their importance within their home, mitochondria didn’t always take up residency in cell…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#141: Chad Kerksick - Elite Performance Research & ISSN 2024 Recap (1 of 2)03 Jul 202401:01:28

In Episode 141 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Chad Kerksick, President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), to discuss his journey in exercise science and nutrition research. As a university professor and director of the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory at Lindenwood University, Chad has tons of experience, insights, and wisdom to share.

Chad begins with an overview of his academic and professional background, detailing his roles and responsibilities at Lindenwood University. He discusses the challenges of balancing his busy schedule with his desire to be more active on social media, and it’s our goal to bring him out to the media world more often.

The conversation then shifts to the opportunities for collaboration between academic labs and the industry, highlighting the value of attending conferences for networking and exploring potential partnerships. Chad shares insights into the types of research his lab conducts, including studies on exercise and nutritional interventions that impact health, performance, and recovery outcomes.

Elite research on elite athletes

One of the key highlights of the episode is Chad’s discussion of a unique case study on elite CrossFit athlete Tia-Clair Toomey. He details the process of collecting blood and stool samples to analyze changes in metabolites and the microbiome during intense training and competition, offering listeners a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of researching elite athletes.

Throughout the episode, Chad underscores the power of consistency in diet and exercise, sharing practical advice for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. He also touches on his key research areas, including protein supplementation, probiotics, and resistance exercise, providing valuable insights for both researchers and fitness enthusiasts.

This episode is the first of a two-part series aimed at introducing Chad to the PricePlow community and recapping the highlights of the ISSN 2024 conference. Part 2 of 2 is now posted, zeroing in on a couple of specific ingredients.

Chad Kerksick: Elite Performance Research & ISSN 2024 Recap | Episode #141″>https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chad-kerksick-issn-141

Video: Watch Chad Kerksick Discuss Research and ISSN 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuvmSSidXc

Show Notes with Chad Kerksick – ISSN, Performance, and More

  • (00:00) – Welcome and Introduction to Chad Kerksick
  • (05:00) – Challenges of a Busy Schedule and Social Media Presence
  • (10:00) – Collaboration Opportunities in Academic Labs
  • (15:00) – Recap of ISSN 2024 Conference
  • (20:00) – Case Study on Tia-Clair Toomey’s Fecal Matter
  • (25:00) – Metagenomics and Metabolomics Analysis
  • (30:00) – Shifts in Metabolites During Competition
  • (35:00) – The Power of Consistency in Diet and Exercise
  • (40:00) – Key Research Areas in Exercise Science
  • (45:00) – Challenges and Rewards of Elite Athlete Research
  • (50:00) – Future Research
  • (55:00) – Podcast Wrap-Up, Closing Remarks, and Stay Tuned for Part 2

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#033: Ben Hartman - Morphogen Nutrition30 Jun 202000:24:57

In June of 2020, PricePlow interviewed Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition.

They discuss Ben and Morphogen’s background, the insane formulations in their arsenal, the lack of studies on interactions between ingredients, the future of Morphogen, and more!

Meet Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4zD6AQsdBQ

#032: Shawn Wells #5 | MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides)30 Mar 202000:20:55

Lifestyle, training, and diet are the three overarching umbrellas that affect our health and fitness goals, and figuring out how to best balance them is unique from person to person. For instance, someone trying to lose body fat trains differently, eats differently, and goes about their day differently than a powerlifter on a strength cycle.

But central in almost any fitness plan is nutrition. Although needs shift from person to person, eating nutrient-dense foods full of essential minerals, fats, and amino acids (protein) is at the root of any diet.

MCT Oil: The saturated fat for training both your body and your mind!

When we say “nutrient-dense” and “essential”, there is a great amount of misunderstanding. Our take is that a highly-misunderstood “essential” fat is saturated fat, and a group of these increasingly popular fats are in the group of medium chain triglycerides, which boast powerful health benefits. Otherwise known as MCT (or MCT Oil), these critically useful fatty acids are finally getting recognition like other important fatty acids. As a high-quality source of dietary fat, MCTs have a ton to offer, with evidence supporting it can yield positive effects in your training, your body, and your mind!

TL;DR (Article Summary)

MCT Oil, short for medium chain triglycerides, are a group of saturated fatty acids that are quickly-absorbed for rapid energy thanks to their shorter structure.

  • Saturated fat is healthy. There is no causal link whatsoever between saturated fat and heart disease or obesity. In fact, the obesity crisis began when we collectively replaced saturated fat with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats from “vegetable oils”. (See the saturated fat discussion)

  • The medium chain triglycerides, or “MCTs”, are a group of saturated fatty acids with “medium” chain lengths, ranging from six to twelve carbon bonds. These fatty acids caproic acid (C6), Caprylic acid (C8), Capric acid (C10), and Lauric acid (C12). (See the MCT Intro section)

    When supplemented, MCTs demonstrated the following benefits: Decreased appetite (through increased satiety), increased cognition, improved beta-oxidation (fat burning) rates, better gut health, and potential immune system improvements.

    (See the MCT oil benefits section)

  • Due to unfavorable characteristics of C6 and C12, C8 and C10 are the preferred MCTs to supplement, with C8 having the best data in terms of beta oxidation and ketone generation. (See the MCT Supplements section)
  • Preferred MCT Oil Products:

    • For powdered MCT Oil, we prefer C8Vantage, which is made by NNB Nutrition and is a nearly-pure C8 formula that is GMO-Free, vegan-friendly, and has no glycemic impact since it is plated on tapioca prebiotic fiber and pea protein, bt other dairy-based options are available as well.

In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into MCTs – what they are, why they’re different, how to use them, and where you can find the best ones – both in liquid and powder form. We’re also going to look at published research focused on MCTs, which will help us paint a clearer picture of their benefits. Brace yourself for an in-depth, science-backed look at a food seemingly built for athletic and cognitive performance!

MCTs – the optimal fat source for efficient energy?

Before we can get into medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and all they have to offer, …

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#031: Dr. Kaleb Redden - Kaged Muscle's Team Doctor22 Mar 202000:27:45

In late 2019, Mike and Ben interviewed Dr. Kaleb Redden, an orthopedic surgeon who is also Kaged Muscle‘s team doctor!

As someone who can repair spines, enhance strength, and help you get big, it’s no wonder why Kris Gethin brought him on the team.

Welcome Dr. Kaleb Redden to Team Kaged Muscle!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCK6ZJKNCg

#030: Mike Yewdell - BEAM: A Brand with a Message02 Mar 202000:15:17

Are you ready to Be Amazing?

Michael Yewdell is. And once you hear his story, you’ll want to join the amazing movement.

Every year, countless supplement companies launch, seemingly popping up out of thin air. Some stick around, few flourish, but many vanish back into the thin air where they came from. What’s the difference between these winners and losers?

Purpose.

Too many new brands have no true purpose, direction, or meaning. They follow the industry trends to a tee, use cookie-cutter formulas, charge unreasonable prices, and may even use poor quality manufacturing facilities. In other words, they stand for nothing and do nothing to stand out. Easy come, easy go.

Be Amazing.

But today, we meet a man with a different direction. A sense of purpose. A message that means something.

Listen to Mike Yewdell discuss BEAM

Mike joined Ben on the PricePlow Podcast to share his story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKseKy_tJ0k

Introducing BEAM: More Than a Brand, It’s A Movement

A truly successful company must start with a great leader — someone with years of experience who knows how to inspire and direct others and has a passion for every aspect of the brand. Meet Michael Yewdell: a fitness fanatic, foodie, supplement industry veteran, and cancer survivor. Mike has over nine years of experience, and throughout the time he spent working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he knew there was still something missing.

Mike has tried nearly every supplement. While he found some that he liked, most were well below average.

The best way Mike could solve this problem was to branch out and create his own brand. Having been so involved in the industry, he knew a thing or two about branding. And he knew what was missing. Thus, BEAM was born, which stands for Be Amazing. But what most people don’t know is there’s a lot more meaning to the brand’s name than you may think.

BEAM may not sound like a supplement company name, but that’s because BEAM goes well beyond supplements, health, and fitness. For many, it’s truly life-saving.

BEAM: Cancer Treatment or Supplement Brand?

As mentioned, Mike is not only an entrepreneur and supplement guru, he’s a cancer survivor. And as you’ll see, it was BEAM that brought Mike another chance, so now he wants to help you Be Amazing too.

In 2017, Mike was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was told not to worry, because with the advancements in modern medicine, he would be cured – his form had a 95% success rate.

Mike was mentally and physically prepared for a battle, little did he know it was going to be the fight of his life. After failing three chemotherapy treatments, Mike’s cancer was winning. Some people would give up throughout this process, but not Mike – he’s a fighter and would not let anything slow him down.

Hiding the fight of his life in plain sight

Although admittedly starting to lose hope, Mike didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him or know that he was hurting. He still went to work, acted as if nothing was wrong, and went to the gym because of how much he enjoys being active. Mike never wanted cancer to affect him to the point where he stopped doing what he loved, even if that meant some suffering.

“When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer, you beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.”

–Stuart Scott, American Sportscaster

BEAM: The Treatment That Saved Michael’s Life

After several unsuccessful attempts at chemotherapy, Mike transferred to a hospital in New York, w…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#029: PricePlow's 2019 Supplement Industry Awards27 Jan 202001:26:08

In December of 2019, Mike and Ben got together to discuss the 2019 Supplement Industry Awards. This followed our end of 2019 catch-up podcast.

The categories and winners listed:

Videos

Also, don’t miss our final discussion, 2020 – Year of Retailer Exclusive Brands?

You can follow-up with our more extensive 2020 Supplement Industry Awards, where you’ll notice the breakout brand happened to be the one we predicted!

#028: Shawn Wells #4 - Berberine - The Best Glucose Disposal Agent Ingredient27 Jan 202001:11:56

The most appealing beauty of the supplement industry is its ability to innovate. While most formulas are not groundbreaking revelations, every once in awhile, we’re hit with something that completely redefines the industry.

Berberine, a unique plant alkaloid that has been shown to improve the body’s response to insulin — to the point of working better than some pharmaceutical drugs — is one such exciting compound. This alkaloid has displayed some impressive abilities, specifically in the realm of insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c reduction, and nutrient partitioning.

While berberine has been available as a supplement ingredient for quite some time, it wasn’t always as impactful as one would hope, since it has poor bioavailability and there are many low-quality extracts on the market. The good news is that we are on the brink of another ingredient renaissance event thanks to NNB Nutrition, an ingredient innovation company who has released a new variant of berberine.

Dihydroberberine: The better part of berberine

NNB Nutrition has discovered a better way to maximize berberine’s potential. In their patented new ingredient, GlucoVantageⓇ, the science-backed team is incorporating a superior form of the ingredient – dihydroberberine (DHB). Recent research suggests that this form of berberine is as much as six times better than its base form, which could potentially be huge for the body composition and anti-aging markets.

Even with lower-quality extracts on the market, berberine is still effective in and of itself, and is backed by a significant amount of human research. But recent studies suggest that DHB may be what powers its insulin-optimizing abilities. If so, we will see a rise in the popularity of dihydroberberine — and thus NNB’s GlucoVantage — very soon.

In this post, we’re going to dive deep into berberine – what it is, its applications, the science behind, and the potential of its hydrogen-bonded derivative, DHB. Fair warning, though – this article is going to be very science-heavy, so make sure you’ve got yourself ready to jump into some complex terminology and mechanisms!

TL;DR:

  • Berberine is a bioactive plant alkaloid often used for its anti-diabetic effects in supplements known as Glucose Disposal Agents (GDAs) or Nutrient Partitioners.
  • When supplemented, berberine demonstrates strong improvements in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles in both humans and animals.
  • A landmark study of 1.5g/day berberine demonstrated identical effects to the pharmaceutical drug metformin in terms of HbA1c reduction, fasting blood glucose, and post-prandial blood glucose levels… and berberine bested metformin in terms of triglyceride reduction!
  • Berberine suffers from two issues: poor bioavailability and low-quality extracts on the market. This has led to a new generation of supplements:
    • Dihydroberberine is a derivative of berberine that is more bioavailable and can be taken at lower doses with greater results. Once absorbed, it reassembles back into berberine in the bloodstream.
    • GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition is a patented and trademarked form of pure dihydroberberine that is created from pure berberine and is lab-tested.
  • Dosage: Standard Berberine is best dosed 3x/day at 500mg per serving, while GlucoVantage can be dosed 3x/day at 100-200mg per serving. These are best taken before meals, but can also be taken when fasting if already fat-adapted.
  • Berberine’s most notable side effect is GI distres…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#027: The 2020 ABH Scandal - Brent Laffey (Armada Nutrition) & Mark Glazier (NutraBio)21 Jan 202000:56:31

Many consumers quickly glance at the label on a dietary supplement, blindly purchase it, and never question where it was made or if what’s listed on the label is actually in the bottle. But what if you don’t even know what you’re buying? Has the product been tested to meet label claims, where is it manufactured, and how pure really is it?

Regardless of the myths that surround the supplement industry of ‘not being regulated by the FDA’, this news story will change your mind. Because this one involves a serious indictment after plenty of warning letters, strikes, and failed audits.

FDA indicts major contract manufacturer in ABH Pharma

After years of playing “whack-a-mole” by sending warning letters to small brands, the FDA — and now the Department of Justice — have gone after the root of the supplement industry’s biggest problem: underhanded contract manufacturers. These are the companies that are actually bottling the products, and we have long stated that they are a better “pinch point” for strict enforcement of current Good Manufacturing Practices.

On January 17th, 2020, a major contract supplement manufacturer under the names of ABH Pharma, ABH Nature’s Products, and Stocknutra.com published a press release on BusinessWire issuing a nationwide recall on all lots of dietary supplements manufactured and sold between January 2013 – November 2019, after an indictment was posted in New York on December 26, 2019.

Major offenses over several years

The DOJ indictment, which names Mohammed Jahirul Islam (“Islam”) as the owner of the three companies, alleges that their facilities distributed adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements and unapproved and misbranded drugs. They signed a consent decree forcing Islam to destroy all dietary supplements (and drugs) in their possession within 15 days, which has now also been posted on the FDA’s website.

The DOJ indictment report stated that ABH failed 6 FDA audits over the years, had warning letters dating back to 2012, and neglected to conduct at least one appropriate test for ingredient identity.

The indictment itself (which is linked at the bottom of the DOJ’s report web page) includes new infractions from a November 2018 inspection. Such infractions include some egregious drug claims made on products they manufactured, such as “Whey protein in the form of protein powder can help in reducing the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression”.

In addition, ABH Nature’s products had a voluntary recall in June 2017 and January 2018 due to possible salmonella contamination.

“As demonstrated by the consent decree, this Office and the FDA will work tirelessly to protect consumers who take dietary supplements, ensuring that manufacturers comply with good manufacturing practices and do not distribute unapproved and misbranded drugs in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”

— Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

A long time coming

The indictment lists several inspections at the Defendants’ Edgewood, NY facility, including inspections that occurred in or about July 2012, May 2013, August 2013, November 2016, and February 2018, on top of the most recent November 2018 inspection.

The FDA’s warning letter from 2012 lists seven major cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) violations, such as adulteration, mislabeling, misbranding, failure to verify finished supplements, failure to monitor, and failure to follow control processes, and failure to qualify suppliers.

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#026: 2019 Supplement Industry Recap18 Dec 201901:34:56

In December of 2019, Ben visited Mike in Texas to film some videos to recap the year. But first, they sat down to catch up on their personal lives and recapped 2019 in the supplement industry.

Ben and Mike Catch Up and Recap 2019 in the Supplement Industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Wu9N3FIdg

#025 - Joseph Mencel (Massive Joe's) - 2019 Australian TGA Changes26 Nov 201900:38:16

On October 22nd, 2019 Australia’s TGA released “Consultation: Proposed clarification that certain sports supplements are therapeutic goods”, a document outlining proposed amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This proposed amendment would make most supplements under the regulation of the TGA, similar to the FDA’s drug office in the USA.

We sat down with Joseph Mencel of Massive Joe’s to hear his thoughts. As a major importer, distributor, retailer, and someone with a legal background in Australia, he offers a unique point of view in the discussion. Joe is traveling so please forgive the lapses in connection.

The update was later published by the Australia TGA in March of 2020.

Joseph Mencel of Massive Joe’s Breaks Down the 2019 Australian TGA Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYbAy8XTtz4

#024: Shawn Wells #3 | BAIBA (β-Aminoisobutyric Acid) - Weight Loss Ingredient Mimics Exercise?!13 Nov 201900:52:56

We’re always on the lookout for supplement ingredients that could be the “Next Big Thing”, and it’s very possible we just found one for dieters.

Its name is BAIBA (pronounced “BAY-buh”), and it may be able to mimic certain fat-burning processes that occur in your body when exercising – even when you’re not working out!

Of course, we never suggest avoiding exercise, but research published in 2014 definitely got our attention, which is why we originally wrote this article in 2015. Four years later, we finally found a trustworthy ingredient supplier in NNB Nutrition’s MitoBurn, allowing us to pursue more research.

TL;DR

  • BAIBA (or β-aminoisobutyric acid) is an “amino acid” generated during exercise.
  • It is involved in several healthy processes, such as the thermogenic browning of white fat and exercise-based prevention of bone and muscle loss.
  • When supplemented, it is pro-ketogenic and increases fatty acid oxidation in the liver while protecting against fat gain and improving glucose tolerance in mice. (See the BAIBA Research section)
  • There are two isomers of BAIBA, L-BAIBA and D-BAIBA, research shows L-BAIBA is superior for supplementation because it leads to more positive metabolic health outcomes.
  • The preferred BAIBA Supplement ingredient is MitoBurn by NNB Nutrition. (See the BAIBA Supplements section)
    • Suggested doses are 250-500mg, 1-2 times per day. (See the BAIBA Dosage section)
  • There are no currently known side effects at the above doses, but because it is a new ingredient with limited human research, caution is suggested.
  • In 2019, safety data was conducted on mice and showed L-BAIBA’s LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of animals) was well over 2,000mg/kg of body weight, which means we’re very comfortable with the suggested dose.
  • Under DSHEA, BAIBA is by definition a dietary supplement since it covers several sections.

No statements on this page are approved by the FDA and you should seek a doctor’s approval before beginning any new supplement or dietary program.

This ingredient is incredibly interesting, especially to aggressive dieters, but is definitely not for the conservative or cautious user — at least until more human-based research is published.

This article is science-intense, so get ready:

What is BAIBA?

BAIBA, or β-aminoisobutyric acid, is an amino acid generated during exercise (an “exercise-induced muscle factor”) that is not naturally found in the genetic code of any organism — it’s formed when either thymine or valine are broken down.

This means that BAIBA, while an amino acid, is not a building block for proteins but rather is used as a signaling molecule within the body. Because of this, consuming it will not contribute to the development of muscle mass like traditional essential amino acids (often used for recovery during or after a workout), but it may hold promise for fat-loss – and weight loss.

  • L-BAIBA vs. D/R-BAIBA: Which Form is Best?

    There are two forms of BAIBA discussed in the literature: L-BAIBA (S-BAIBA) and D-BAIBA (R-BAIBA). These two types are also referred to as enantiomers, which means they’re a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other. You could also think of them as “right-handed” and “left-handed” notations because they are similar to your left and right hands – similar structure, similar components, but do not “map” on top of each other. Most resear…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#140: Dr. Barrie Tan - How GG-Gold Supports MUSCLE27 Jun 202401:01:29

In Episode 140 of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Barrie Tan, founder of American River Nutrition, for an in-depth discussion about the powerful nutrient geranylgeraniol (GG, sold as GG-Gold) and its wide-ranging health benefits – especially with respect to muscle.

Dr. Tan, a renowned expert in the field of phytonutrients and the world’s authority on vitamin E, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing insights from his extensive research on GG and other critical compounds. This episode offers listeners a sound understanding of GG’s role in human biochemistry, highlighting its importance as a building block for various biological processes and hormones.

The conversation begins with a brief introduction of Dr. Tan’s education and early research, followed by his career transition from academia to entrepreneurship — but he never stopped conducting and publishing research. It all began when he was studying the giant marigold flower (for eye health), which serendipitously led to the discovery of the annatto plant and its unique compounds, including tocotrienol, a lesser-known but potent form of vitamin E — and eventually, GG.

The critical functions of geranylgeraniol (GG) in the human body

Throughout the episode, Dr. Tan explores the critical functions of GG in the body, emphasizing its role in the synthesis of essential compounds such as CoQ10 and vitamin K2. He explains how GG supports muscle synthesis by aiding in the formation of skeletal muscle proteins and underscores the importance of maintaining adequate GG levels, especially as we age. The discussion also touches on the impact of statin drugs on GG production and the subsequent effects on muscle health and energy levels, highlighting the potential benefits of GG supplementation in mitigating these side effects.

As the conversation progresses, Dr. Tan explains the practical applications of GG supplementation, including its synergistic effects when combined with other nutrients like CoQ10 and Vitamin K2. He provides valuable insights into recommended dosages and the holistic benefits of using natural, endogenous nutrients to support overall health. The episode concludes with a surprising hot take on a certain mineral that he thinks we may get too much of.

Whether you’re a health enthusiast, an athlete, or simply curious about the latest advancements in nutritional science, this episode is full of valuable information and practical advice, and Dr. Tan is simply a fun speaker to listen to.

This one’s best watched on YouTube (below), as Dr. Tan shows a few examples, but you can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, or any RSS-enabled podcast app.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/barrie-tan-gg-gold-muscle-140

Video: Watch Dr. Barrie Tan Discuss GG-Gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjra-NPHKkA

Show Notes with Dr. Barrie Tan – GG-Gold for Muscle!

  • (0:00) – Introduction and Dr. Barrie Tan’s Background
  • (5:00) – Discovering Geranylgeraniol (GG)
  • (10:00) – GG’s Role in Plants and Humans
  • (15:00) – How Geranylgeraniol Supports Muscle Protein Synthesis
  • (20:00) – The Impact of Aging and Statins on GG Levels
  • (25:00) – GG Supplementation and Its Benefits
  • (30:00) – GG and Testosterone Production
  • (35:00) – The Role of MK4 and Bone Health
  • (40:00) – Practical Applications and Supplement Recommendations
  • (45:00) – Que…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#023: John Meadows Tells All | Granite Supplements at the 2019 Mr. Olympia26 Sep 201901:01:40

In September of 2019 at the annual Mr. Olympia convention, Ben and Mike interviewed one of our favorite sports nutrition and bodybuilding experts – John Meadows of Granite Supplements.

This bodybuilder, former banker, business founder, and family man lets us in on some of the cutting practices used back in the day, his thoughts of the importance of sleep, how to bulk, and much more.

At the end of this interview, he alludes to the new Granite Supplements Protein, and it’s as good as he said it would be!

John Meadows Tells All | Mr. Olympia 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmOXB74p5gQ

#022: Mike and Ben Catch Up23 Jul 201901:31:05

In July of 2019, Ben visited Mike in Texas to film some content. But first they sat down, stimmed up with their favorite caffeine sources, and caught up on the industry and where they’ve been.

Ben and Mike Catch Up | July 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNdTQ0ayhF0

Timestamps:

  • :45 catch up on life
  • 7:15 Ben’s training
  • 15:20 Coming from “NutraBio University”
  • 19:00 Ghost hitting the industry
  • 34:00 Mfit’s launch
  • 40:00 Mike’s new mission in the industry
  • 50:30 Insulin talk
  • 1:09:00 What we’re excited for in the second half of the year
#021: Robert Tauler #2 - How to Avoid False Advertising Lawsuits20 Jul 201900:57:24

While we at PricePlow love to talk about new brands, product releases, and new flavor variations, we strive to remain up-to-date with the business side of things within the supplement industry. It’s sometimes easy to neglect the inner workings of the industry – regulations, suits, etc. But, its extremely important to us that we cover this area and keep our readers in the know!

In April of 2019, PricePlow founder and CEO Mike Roberto sat down with Robert Tauler of Tauler-Smith LLP to discuss legal workings within the supplement industry. Robert, an attorney who earned his law degree from Harvard in 2005, has spent many years dealing with various legal situations in the world of food and dietary supplements, and specializes in the area of branding and marketing. In this video interview, Mike and Robert talked specifically about false advertising lawsuits – the rules in place, how issues arise, and how to avoid them! The interview is extremely informative, and we highly recommend checking it out. We’ll link it below, but if you’re someone who’d just rather have some of the key points, we have you covered there, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7RA5vrj38

Below are the comprehensive show notes for readers, but first, be sure to subscribe to our podcast!

The regulatory bodies, laws, and regulations

  • Issues in the supplement industry seem to consistently circulating, and that’s due to a number of factors! Our world is highly entrepreneurial, and in regards to the supplement industry in particular, there are low barriers to entry. Many of these firms are small businesses, looking to provide supplements that they believe in to the masses!
  • Laws have been set into place in order to keep consumers safe, however. The “Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994” (DSHEA) is the dominating federal law that regulates the industry. It outlines everything – what constitutes a dietary supplement, labeling, claims that can/cannot be made, and even proper manufacturing practices!
    • Some states can even have their own additional laws. California is one such example – they enforce their own regulations, which is noteworthy given the state is such a vast market!
  • There are two main enforcers of these regulations are the FDA and FTC. Despite the two being separate federal agencies, they actually overlap quite a bit in most cases.
    • The FTC governs marketing specifically! They tend to focus more on “big-ticket, nationwide” items, and are more interested in regulating highly profitable, large companies. They also enforce FDA regulations, as well, in addition to being able to hand down their own punishments.
    • The FDA establishes most of the rules and regulations regarding what people ingest, be it food or supplements. They can investigate and police their policies, and recommend troublesome cases to the Department of Justice.

Common supplement and food industry false advertising lawsuits

Now that you have a brief overview of the structure of the industry and its policing agencies, let’s get into what some of the issues that come up are! While the laws in place are essential, they can sometimes be quite confusing, especially for those who aren’t well-versed in them!

  • Common issues within the industry
    • One cannot claim to cure/mitigate a disease in nutritional supplements!
      • Implied disease claims are even problematic – you can’t say something like “improves your joints” in ma…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#020: Guerrilla Chemist - Beast Sports Nutrition and Chemix04 Jun 201900:27:01

In June of 2019, we had The Guerrilla Chemist on the PricePlow Podcast after the successful release of Chemix Pre Workout and Beast Super Test MAX, both of which formulated by “TGC”. We get into his background a bit, and then he teases Neuro Beast, which we downright love!

Our Guerrilla Chemist Interview from June 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJZmlJgiHoY

Check out our Beast Sports Nutrition and Chemix pages to sign up for news alerts and save!

#019: Dave Palumbo - Species Nutrition, Snake Breeding, and Dave's Style of Low-Carb16 May 201900:30:35

We were lucky enough to have the legendary Dave Palumbo of RX Muscle, Species Nutrition, and Muscle Serpents University join us for thirty minutes to introduce himself to the channel and focus on his well-known supplement company, Species Nutrition:

Our Dave Palumbo Interview from May 12, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1NPZ_rhFOs

In the video, we discuss Species Nutrition, Dave’s high-protein Ultra Low-Carb Diet, being ahead of the curve (maybe Dave should get that macadamia nut oil supplement going now!), and much more, including Dave’s snake breeding hobby/passion!

Some of the Species supplements discussed are Isolyze, Testolyze, and Fiberlyze.

Snake Breeding?!

That’s right, bodybuilding will always be Dave’s first love, but another passion of his is snake breeding. You can see more about this on Palumbo’s Pythons and check out his other YouTube channel, Muscle Serpents University. He also has a channel named Muscle Fish, but definitely seems to be into the snakes a bit more lately.

Interesting stuff from one hell of an interesting and experienced guy!

#018: Matt Mosman - EndurElite and Supplements for Endurance Athletes31 Oct 201801:17:18

Get ready for a high-energy discussion with Matt Mosman of EndurElite, where we introduced Matt and covered his background, and then got into the Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes!

Our Matt Mosman Interviews from Fall of 2018

The YouTube Videos were broken into two sections, but the audio feed is one segment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_OOv8tmPn8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vosTEG17Z4w

Quite a bit of knowledge dropped here, as we discuss things like carbohydrates, beta alanine, caffeine, creatine, PeakO2, betaine, taurine, and even fat adaptation for ultra endurance athletes!

#017: Todd Spear - Velositol: Nutrition21's Muscle Protein Synthesis Amplifier28 Oct 201800:48:50

What is Velositol?

Velositol is a unique chromium / amylopectin complex that increases muscle protein synthesis (MPS) when combined with protein and exercise. It is GRAS affirmed (generally recognized as safe) at the recommended serving of 2 grams per day in protein drinks (including ready-to-drink and powder), meal replacement bars, energy and protein bars, with the consideration that these products can be taken up to three times a day.

Velositol is manufactured and sold by one of the most prominent supplement ingredient suppliers, Nutrition21. You may know them from their other patented ingredients, Nitrosigine (a popular nitric oxide enhancing ingredient) and Chromax (a form of chromium supported by over 50 studies).

Thanks to Nutrition21’s extensive knowledge of chromium and its ability to assist insulin (often for purposes of glucose metabolism and weight management), the creation of Velositol for muscle-building purposes was a logical next step.

This is a promising new ingredient, to say the least. There has been some highly-successful preliminary human research on Velositol (but with smaller protein doses), while newer animal-based research with higher doses of protein combined with the ingredient also proved successful, although to a lesser degree.

In this article, we will cover this research and the mechanisms behind the ingredient, thanks to the help of Nutrition21’s science team and the products using Velositol listed at the bottom of this post.

What is Velositol? Watch our Interview with Todd Spear from Nutrition21!

If you’d rather listen and watch than read, then check out PricePlow’s founder, Mike Roberto, talking to Nutrition21’s Todd Spear about Velositol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXw89RGOLWs

What does Velositol do, and how?

Velositol increases muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in combination with protein and exercise and it works by enhancing insulin sensitivity, resulting in greater uptake of amino acids into muscle, fueling MPS.

Chromium picolinate, one of the main ingredients in Velositol, has been shown to improve insulin action, as well as increase the metabolism of nutrients. Increased insulin action causes various anabolic effects such as increases in the metabolism of nutrients (such as carbohydrates, lipids, and protein) and increases in the rate of glucose and amino acid uptake in muscle cells. Therefore, Velositol is thought to stimulate MPS via improved insulin activity.

Insulin means everything

The pros seem to far outweigh the cons… so why not give it a try?

Healthy insulin activity is vital for MPS because in the presence of a protein containing essential amino acids, insulin aids in the transportation of amino acids into muscle cells to stimulate MPS. Therefore, when combined with adequate sources of protein, Velositol can increase insulin action and in turn, stimulate MPS. Moreover, Velositol has been shown to significantly increase enzymes involved in the MPS signaling pathway (such as mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1), providing evidence of the cellular pathway by which Velositol enhances MPS.

The Myokine connection

Finally, an additional mechanism of action may be through increased myokines, such as musclin and fractalkine, which are cytokines released by muscle during exercise that lead to MPS and hypertrophy. Both clinical and preclinical studies have shown that groups taking Velositol had the greatest levels of myokines. Therefore, another mechanism by which Velositol increases muscle protein s…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#016: Mark Glazier - Lobbying Congress for Better Protein Labeling Laws09 Oct 201800:45:42

In May of 2018, Mike and Mark Glazier talked about Mark’s recent trip to Washington D.C. (posted here on Mark’s Facebook and embedded below), where the NutraBio founder and CEO was lobbying for better protein labeling laws.

Mark explains some of the issues he commonly sees, and while we believe that customer education is the best way to go, there are many things that could be done from the top down view that could certainly help keep the bad actors from scamming and winning lawsuits, especially in the case of protein amino acid spiking.

The conversation on the YouTube comments below are interesting, with many not wanting more regulation. Mark typically agrees, but he also knows the loopholes in the current laws, and would like to see them patched up for the industry. We discuss where those problems lie:

Mike’s Interview with Mark Glazier, NutraBio CEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfFDn5wgAjw

Follow Mark and Genius on Social Media

The original Facebook Post that started this is on Mark Glazier’s Facebook.

#015: Dr. Benjamin Bikman: New Research on Ketones and Muscle Health14 Sep 201800:55:16

Last year, I was fortunate enough to see Dr. Benjamin Bikman at KetoCon, and it was one of the best presentations I’d ever seen. I began following him on Twitter, and was excited to see that his team had published some new research.

He agreed to schedule some time to come onto the PricePlow channel, and the result was this massively informative interview where we learned about all kinds of things:

If this is a disease where we gotta control glucose, eat less glucose! It’s mind-boggling!

— Dr. Ben Bikman

  • A behind-the-scenes look at being a professional scientist
  • insulin resistance
  • misconceptions about ketosis
  • Type-II diabetics going on the keto diet, and finally
  • his lab’s new research showing that exogenous ketones help a muscle cell thrive (full-text and images below).

We finished off with some of his own personal philosophies on training, supplementation and BHB salt usage, and never letting your dietary choices negatively affect your family.

This is a must-watch interview if you’re interested in insulin, diabetes, the keto diet, or ketones in general:

Dr. Benjamin Bikman’s New Research and More: Ketones Boost Muscle Tissue Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVxlHU_RlDY

Full-Text PDF: β-Hydroxybutyrate Elicits Favorable Mitochondrial Changes in Skeletal Muscle

Show Notes

On top of the research above, we covered a lot of other studies. Here are some of them below:

The Tweet that started the conversation

New research from my lab reveals how #ketones (bHB) elicit favorable #mitochondria changes in #muscle. https://t.co/Kct2ZGlQrj

— Benjamin Bikman (@BenBikmanPhD) August 1, 2018

Learn more about Dr. Bikman

After watching the podcast interview above, you’ll undoubtedly realize he is a force of knowledge in the world of insulin, type-II diabetes, metabolic disease, and using a low-carb or ketogenic diet to combat them.

He is a must-follow on social media:

Also see Ben’s lab website at bikmanlab.byu.edu.

And of course, you can see our list of Keto Diet Supplements and BHB Salts on PricePlow!

#014: Shawn Wells #2 - Fighting Brain Cancer and Disease with Diet & Supplements11 Sep 201801:16:09

DISCLAIMER

The information on this page and in the video below is not to be taken as medical advice, and neither participant is a doctor or oncologist.

You must speak to your doctor and receive written approval when beginning any new diet and/or supplementation program, and we take no responsibility for the opinions, evidence, or alternative adjunct strategies stated herein.

No diet or supplementation program should ever be used as a replacement for sound medical treatment, which should be followed under the care of your medical specialist.

Statements on this page and in the associated interview have not been approved by the FDA.

Continue at your own risk.

A year after helping us Optimize Brain Performance, Shawn Wells returns to the PricePlow Podcast for a very informative interview, especially for those considering some adjunct therapy or last-ditch efforts when all others have failed.

We’re talking about cancer, specifically brain cancer (and even more specifically, glioblastoma).

It’s best to watch the video yourself, and we’ll have plenty of links below. Note that the video is long, and also gets into the entire “state of the situation” after we’re done talking about cancer specifically:

Targeting Cancer and other Metabolic Diseases with Diet, featuring Shawn Wells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvIjuWndShg

A ton of this entire discussion centers around the answer to this ultra-important question, however:

Is cancer a metabolic disorder?

Before proceeding any further down this path, the first question one has to ask themselves is if they believe the “Cancer is a Metabolic Disorder” theory.

The best and most convincing video to watch on the subject is by Dr. Thomas Seyfried, titled “Cancer: A Metabolic Disease With Metabolic Solutions”. It is embedded below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEE-oU8_NSU

More recently, Dr. Seyfried has published a paper titled Press-pulse: a novel therapeutic strategy for the metabolic management of cancer that I brought up in the podcast with Shawn.

If you believe that metabolic disorders caused by diet may be the most pressing cause of the proliferation of cancer (as Shawn states in the video, he believes it is 90% of the time), then there are ways to attack this potential root cause alongside an oncologist’s prescribed therapy.

Shawn’s Last-Ditch Adjunct Gameplan for Glioblastoma / Brain Cancer

As mentioned in the interview above, Shawn had very little time to assist with someone’s terminal condition. This is the entirety of what he suggested (the suggestions start at the 25:00 mark in our interview above):

  1. THERAPEUTIC Diet

    Therapeutic typically means achieving a Glucose “K-Tone” Index (GKI) of 1.0. This is calculated using the formula based upon this study by Dr. Thomas Seyfried, the man mentioned above.

    This is possible — in fact, I achieved a GKI of nearly 1.0 by accident, but I only got to those levels when I lowered protein (not on purpose) and was fasting for a while. Which leads us to our next point:

  2. Intermittent Fasting

    In order to get into a “therapeutic” state as mentioned above, it’s far easier to do it unless you’re fasting or are extremely caloric-restricted.

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

#139: NPA Fly-In Day 2024 - Jim Emme, Rick Collins, Mike DiMaggio, Mark LeDoux, Kyle Turk, & Dan Fabricant10 Jun 2024

The crew is back in Washington DC for the 2024 NPA Fly-In Day, held on May 22, 2024! This podcast was filmed the night before, featuring a star-studded cast that includes:

  • Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Foods
  • Kyle Turk, Natural Products Association
  • Rick Collins, the one and only
  • Mike DiMaggio, Chief Legal Officer at NutraBolt
  • Mark LeDoux, founder and CEO of NAI (CarnoSyn)
  • Dan Fabricant, Natural Products Association

And it features Joey Savage as an added interviewer.

Unfortunately, our opening with Dan Fabricant and a bit of the beginning of Jim Emme’s interview was lost due to a corrupted memory card. Regardless, this is a knockout series of discussions ranging from the ongoing political issues in DC and at the states level to the incredible background and history of Rick, Mike, and Mark’s respective careers.

Get ready for a fantastic 2-hour conversation, and be sure to see the NPA’s Take Action page and join the organization at NPANational.org.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/npa-dc-fly-in-day-2024

Video: Join the Fly-In Day Pre-Party

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4R9TWp4Cq4

Detailed Show Notes: Jim Emme, Kyle Turk, Rick Collins, Mike DiMaggio, Mark LeDoux, and Dan Fabricant

  • (0:00) – Introducing Jim Emme and Joey
  • (6:30) – The FDA’s inaction
  • (11:45) – Economic harm and deceptive practices
  • (16:27) – Quality and transparency initiatives by NOW
  • (19:00) – Part 2: Kyle Turk from NPA
  • (24:00) – Organizing the fly-in day
  • (27:15) – Engaging with legislators
  • (31:45) – The need for widespread participation
  • (36:56) – The importance of following up
  • (40:45) – Part 3: Rick Collins and Mike DiMaggio
  • (49:45) – Mike’s story
  • (56:04) – Contamination
  • (1:02:15) – Ramifications of youth-oriented legislation
  • (1:09:00) – A fragmented regulatory framework
  • (1:15:39) – Highlighting benefits of the industry
  • (1:23:15) – Pt. 4: Mark LeDoux
  • (1:27:20) – The origin of NAI (Creators of CarnoSyn)
  • (1:30:30) – Exploring natural health solutions
  • (1:40:00) – The development of beta-alanine
  • (1:45:30) – Building trust and relationships
  • (1:48:45) – Localized efforts
  • (1:52:30) – Ongoing, proactive engagement
  • (1:55:00) – Closing out with Dan Fabricant

Important Links

Thanks to Dan Fabricant and the NPA for hosting us. We met incredible people in the industry and are honored to represent the supplement industry in front of our congressmen.

Return to the PricePlow Podcast and don’t forget to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

#013: Rob Oliver - The Genius CEO Behind The Genius Brand27 Aug 201801:25:24

For quite a long time, we’ve covered The Genius Brand, a supplement company co-created and run by Rob Oliver that uses nearly all patented and trademarked ingredients, huge non-proprietary formulas, and no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

We’ve known the brand and their products, but not everyone knows the man behind the brand. So sit back and prepare for a nice introduction to Rob Oliver, @TheGeniusCEO, who’s one highly motivated, well-researched, and well-read individual!

Mike’s Interview with Rob Oliver, the Genius Brand CEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6MekjCkEFQ

Hopefully, you’ll gain an appreciation for what The Genius Brand is all about and what Rob’s trying to accomplish with them. “Total Life Optimization” are the three words to sum it up!

We bounce around a LOT from supplements to entrepreneurship to ingredients to meditation and Rob’s daily routine to mushrooms… and even new products coming out and Rob’s book recommendations if you hang in there long enough!

We definitely think Rob has something magical going on there and hope they continue to push hard into the future!

Follow Rob and Genius on Social Media

Thanks for joining us, Rob!

#012: Kris Gethin - Leaving a Legacy Behind with Kaged26 Jul 201800:40:55

Team PricePlow interviewed Kris Gethin of Kaged, who joined us for over 35 minutes to kick off a fantastic series of new supplement launches!

We talked about Kris’ upbringing and history, the beginnings of Kaged Muscle (now known as Kaged), his testing of supplements on himself, and what’s coming soon from the brand.

The video is below, but first, be sure to subscribe to our audio feeds:

Kris Gethin Speaks on Kaged and Much More:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaiRvarTtPo

New products discussed

On top of Kris’ stack and the obvious discussion of Pre-Kaged and its epic flavor/formulation by Brian Rand, we discussed the new products for 2018, which include:

  • Ferodrox (natural testosterone booster)
  • Kaged MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate (there will also be a 100% naturally-sweetened version coming)
  • Amino Synergy (full-spectrum EAA “Energy Aminos” that will come in both caffeinated and caffeine-free versions)
  • …something else around the corner — sign up for alerts below!

Sign up for Kaged News and Coupon Alerts

There’s more on the way from the gang at Kaged, so sign up for our alerts below. As an update from 2023, Kris is no longer with Kaged.

#011: Branch Warren - History and Introducing Wicked Cutz Jerky13 Jul 201800:40:25

Matt had the honor of doing an audio interview with the legendary Branch Warren, who takes us through his upbringing, his introduction into bodybuilding, and WICKED CUTZ Jerky!

PricePlow’s Interview with Branch Warren

See the video version:

It’s audio only, but there are some images as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy_filRpkoQ

Introducing Wicked Cutz Jerky

Towards the end of the video, Matt and Branch begin talking about Wicked Cutz Jerky, Branch’s new Texas-inspired jerky line in partnership with Scott James of BSN and Sinister Labs fame.

If we don’t have any products on our Wicked Cutz page yet, you can take a look at WickedCutz.co and try a variety pack!

What else is Branch Up to?

Outside of his training (he’s still in beast mode!), Branch has three other things outside of Wicked Cutz:

  1. Updated: Branch Warren is now with Kaged Muscle!
  2. Black Skull Supplements, which will officially launch in the US at the 2018 Mr. Olympia
  3. Bodybuilding and Fitness Events and Expos – Learn about them at TheBranchWarren.com
  4. Ongoing sponsorship with GASP

You can check out Branch on Instagram: TheBranchWarren (and don’t forget about WickedCutzJerky)!

Thanks a ton to Branch for your valuable time!

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