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…

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