#616 - Prof Alison Heather on Plasmaide.

May 5, 2025

Dr. Alison Heather, a former academic professor and Chief Scientific Officer for Plasmaide, shares insights into the innovative supplement Plasmaide. She explains its origins, benefits for athletes, and how it enhances nitric oxide production compared to beetroot juice. The conversation highlights the adaptogenic properties of Plasmaide, its role in carbohydrate metabolism, and practical advice for safe usage. Dr. Heather emphasizes consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regime, ensuring athletes make informed choices for peak performance.

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ANECDOTE

Origin Story of Plasmade

Dr. Alison Heather started working with Plasmade in 2008 when it was being formulated by a fellow triathlete.
She used her research lab to scientifically study the pine bark extract's effects on endothelial function and nitric oxide production.

INSIGHT

Plasmade's Botanical Benefits

Plasmade is a pine bark extract rich in antioxidant polyphenols called procyanidins.
These natural compounds provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that support endurance performance.

INSIGHT

How Plasmade Boosts Nitric Oxide

Plasmade works by activating the enzyme eNOS to increase endogenous nitric oxide production.
This contrasts beetroot juice, which supplies dietary nitrates for a different nitric oxide pathway.

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We catch up on the tri news and racing from the weekend and give our thoughts on the announcement that the IM World Champs is moving back to Kona.

Alison Heather is a former academic professor whose research has focused for over 24 years’ on the physiology of steroid hormones and their role in health and disease. She has international recognition for her development of bioassays for the detection of steroid hormones. Alison acts as an advisor to many High Performance Sport Teams including those focusing on female athlete health, triathlon, cycling, running and sports supplements and is currently the Chief Scientific Officer for plasmaide

In this conversation, we discuss the supplement Plasmaide, its origins and its benefits for athletes. Dr Heather explains the science behind nitric oxide production, the ingredients in Plasmaide and how it compares to other supplements like beetroot juice. The discussion covers both acute and chronic benefits of Plasmaide, its adaptogenic properties and its influence on carbohydrate metabolism. Dr. Heather also provides practical advice for using Plasmaide safely and effectively, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

(0:00:00) – A weekend of bike crashes

(0:09:22) – T100 goes to the Gold Coast in 2026

(0:15:51) – The racing from IM703 Venice and IRONMAN Australia

(0:24:16) – IRONMAN World Champs moves back to Kona

(0:40:05) – Dr Alison Heather intro

(0:41:38) – Dr Alison Heather

LINKS:

Dr Alison Heather at https://www.insitugen.com/

Plasmaide at https://plasmaide.com.au/

Live Feisty podcast at https://livefeisty.com/podcasts/feistytriathlon/ironman-goes-backwards-special-world-champs-episode/

Pro Tri News podcast at https://protrinews.buzzsprout.com/1736374/episodes/17067560-episode-217-kona-is-back-with-ironman-ceo-scott-derue

2025 Oceania Triathlon Super-Sprint Championships Runaway Bay at https://triathlon.org/events/2025-oceania-triathlon-super-sprint-championships-