
The Metabolic Link
Welcome to The Metabolic Link, a medical and science podcast that explores the common thread of metabolism in health and disease. Join Dr. Dominic D'Agostino PhD, Dr. Angela Poff PhD, and Victoria Field as they dive into the latest research on metabolic health and therapy alongside some of the world’s leading experts. They'll also discuss how this science is being applied in the real world. This is where science meets society.
Latest episodes

Nov 19, 2024 • 60min
The Clinical Impact of Ketogenic Therapy in Epilepsy & Mental Illness | Beth Zupec-Kania, RDN, CD | The Metabolic Link Ep.54
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs. Your first 7 days are free! PLUS use code blackfriday at checkout to receive 50% off your first 3 months (through November 29th): https://membership.metabolicinitiative.comIn this episode of the Metabolic Link podcast, we are joined by Beth Zupec-Kania, an experienced dietitian and nutritionist with over 30 years in the field of ketogenic metabolic therapy. Beth has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of ketogenic diets for the treatment of epilepsy, and her work has expanded to include a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.Beth’s expertise is shaped by years of practical experience and her involvement with The Charlie Foundation, where she helped pioneer the use of ketogenic metabolic therapy in clinical settings. In this episode, we explore how this therapy has evolved from a treatment for refractory epilepsy to a promising option for mental health conditions and other complex disorders.We discuss the latest evidence supporting ketogenic therapy, its application in clinical practice, and the challenges healthcare providers face in integrating these therapies into standard care. Beth also shares her insights into the future of metabolic therapies in healthcare, highlighting the growing need for education and clinical expertise in this transformative area.If you’re a medical professional interested in understanding how ketogenic metabolic therapies can improve patient outcomes across a range of conditions, this episode is a must-listen.Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode: Genova Connect: Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclinkNed: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at helloned.com/metaboliclink Learn more about Beth Zupec-Kania here: https://www.bethzupeckania.comIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Nov 7, 2024 • 24min
Testing the Lipid Energy Model: Oreos vs Statins | Nick Norwitz, PhD | The Metabolic Link Ep. 53
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.comIn this episode, we're sharing a presentation from Metabolic Health Summit 2024 that dives into a groundbreaking experiment titled "Oreo vs. Statin," by researcher-educator Nick Norwitz, PhD. What started as a personal journey with metabolic health turned into a captivating exploration of the lipid energy model and lean mass hyper responders. Dr. Norwitz shares the dramatic results of his unorthodox study, where a diet consisting primarily of Oreos led to a jaw-dropping 70% reduction in LDL cholesterol. We discuss the implications of his findings, the challenges he's faced in the scientific community, and the importance of asking uncomfortable questions in pursuit of knowledge. This episode is an opportunity to watch an engaging lecture filled with scientific awe, unexpected results, and a call to action for more open-minded discussions in metabolic health!Dr. Nick Norwitz has a mission to “Make Metabolic Health Mainstream.” He graduated Valedictorian from Dartmouth College in 2018, majoring in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He then completed his PhD in Metabolism at the University of Oxford in 2021, before attending Harvard Medical School to complete his MD. Dr. Norwitz enthusiasm for the field of Metabolism derives from a personal struggle with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease that left him physically emaciated, mentally depleted, and emotionally fragmented. In desperation, he found that a ketogenic diet put his disease into remission where conventional approaches had failed.Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics offers easy access to advanced lab tests. Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclinkLearn more about Dr. Norwitz here: https://www.nicknorwitz.comIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
FoodFight USA: The Battle Against Ultra-Processed Foods | Todd Wagner | The Metabolic Link Ep.52
Did you know that nearly 60% of the average American's diet is made up of ultra-processed foods? This staggering statistic highlights a growing public health crisis linked to rising obesity rates and chronic diseases, not only in adults but our children too.In this week’s episode of The Metabolic Link, we dive into a critical conversation with Todd Wagner, a passionate advocate for food safety and health reform. As the founder of FoodFight USA, Todd is dedicated to cleaning up America’s tainted food supply and empowering consumers by raising awareness about the dangers of ultra-processed foods. He is also known for his entrepreneurial success as the co-founder and CEO of Broadcast.com, which he sold to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion, and for founding the Todd Wagner Foundation, which supports technology programs for at-risk children.Today, we explore Todd's mission with FoodFight USA, a nationwide campaign focused on promoting healthier food choices and advocating for legislative change. With the powerful mantra, “Good food is medicine, and bad food requires medicine,” we discuss the stark differences between the U.S. and European food systems, the alarming prevalence of synthetic chemicals in our food supply, and the urgent need for reform.Todd provides valuable insights into the existing regulatory framework, pointing out the issues arising from food companies' ability to self-regulate. We also explore the grassroots efforts driving FoodFight USA and discuss practical steps listeners can take to become more informed consumers and advocate for healthier food options.Join us for this eye-opening discussion that emphasizes the importance of “clean” food and the necessity of a collaborative approach to address these pressing issues. Learn how you can contribute to the solution and help shape a healthier future with FoodFight USA! Learn more about FoodFight USA here: https://foodfightusa.com/Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:Genova Connect - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK hereFatty15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK hereNed - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK hereIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Oct 8, 2024 • 59min
Journal Club: Metabolic Overdrive in Bipolar Disorder | The Metabolic Link Ep.51
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs here.In this journal club episode of The Metabolic Link, we explore the cutting-edge "Metabolic Overdrive Hypothesis" with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field, diving into the brain’s energy dysregulation in bipolar disorder. The featured paper, "The Metabolic Overdrive Hypothesis: Hyperglycolysis and Glutaminolysis in Bipolar Mania", by authors Dr. Iain Campbell and Dr. Harry Campbell, proposes that mitochondrial dysfunction forces the brain into a hypermetabolic state, leading to manic episodes.We discuss how this groundbreaking research links bipolar disorder to epilepsy and how therapeutic ketosis—through diet or supplementation—might restore energy balance, reduce manic episodes, and complement traditional medications.With the potential to reshape psychiatric treatment, you won't want to miss this paper or journal club episode! Read the full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02431-wSpecial thanks to the sponsors of this episode:Genova Connect - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK hereFatty15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK hereNed - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK hereIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 7min
C15: The Essential Fatty Acid Transforming Metabolic Health & Aging | Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson | Ep.50
Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, dives into her innovative research about C15:0, a newly identified essential fatty acid found in dolphins. This fatty acid may hold the key to enhancing metabolic health and longevity, showcasing benefits that surpass omega-3s. Discover how C15:0 could tackle inflammation and insulin resistance, along with groundbreaking insights into its implications for human health. Stephanie reveals its potential to reshape our understanding of diet and aging, making it a true game-changer.

Sep 10, 2024 • 51min
Jeff Volek, PhD, RD | Exploring the Keto-Adapted Phenotype: Focus on Muscle | The Metabolic Link Ep.49
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.comIn this episode of The Metabolic Link, recorded at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, we share Dr. Jeff Volek's full presentation where he takes a deep dive into the "Keto-Adapted Phenotype" with a focus on muscle. Dr. Volek, a leading expert in low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, shares groundbreaking research on how ketones impact muscle function and performance. Dr. Volek explores the intricate ways ketones influence muscle glycogen metabolism, ketone production in skeletal muscle, and even heart function.Dr. Volek unpacks underappreciated aspects of ketosis, such as how muscle glycogen can be preserved and replenished without the need for high carbohydrate intake, the role of ketones in cardiac health, and how skeletal muscles may play a part in ketone metabolism. This thought-provoking episode not only challenges conventional ideas about energy and performance but also offers insights for athletes, health professionals, and anyone interested in optimizing metabolic health.About Dr. VolekDr. Volek is a registered dietitian and professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For the last 25 years, he has performed translational research on how humans adapt to ketogenic diets with a dual focus on clinical and performance applications of nutritional ketosis. His scholarly work includes more than 350 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and five books. Dr. Volek is the Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Virta Health, the first clinically proven treatment to safely and sustainably reverse type 2 diabetes at scale without medications or surgery. Dr. Volek has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in exercise physiology and Doctorate in kinesiology and nutrition from Pennsylvania State University.Special Thanks to our Episode Sponsors: * Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK: https://connect.gdx.net/themetaboliclink* Fatty 15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK: https://fatty15.com/METABOLICLINK* Ned - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at http://helloned.com/metaboliclinkIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 20min
Nick Norwitz, PhD | The Future of Medicine & Metabolic Health | The Metabolic Link Ep.48
Dr. Nick Norwitz, a PhD holder and advocate for personalized medicine, shares insights on the future of metabolic health. He discusses the shift from traditional trials to individualized care, emphasizing genetic insights and new technologies like continuous glucose monitors. Dr. Norwitz underscores how advances in AI and multi-omics data can personalize treatments, revolutionizing healthcare. His journey as a researcher and educator offers inspiration, particularly for pre-med students, highlighting the importance of engaging with emerging metabolic health tools.

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Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dr. Chris Palmer | Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness | The Metabolic Link Ep. 47
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Chris Palmer, a renowned Harvard psychiatrist and researcher, explores the intriguing link between metabolic dysfunction and mental illness. He addresses the alarming rise in mental health disorders and critiques existing treatment frameworks. Dr. Palmer introduces his 'Brain Energy' theory, proposing metabolic dysfunction as a possible root cause. He also highlights the benefits of the ketogenic diet and underscores the importance of a holistic approach, urging us to rethink mental health diagnostics.

Jul 30, 2024 • 2h 7min
Infections, Inflammation, and Alzheimer's Disease with Mary Newport, MD | The Metabolic Link Ep.46
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs here!In this enlightening episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D'Agostino sits down with Dr. Mary Newport to delve into the world of Alzheimer's disease, discussing her pioneering work with ketogenic metabolic therapy. Dr. Newport shares her personal and inspiring journey with her husband, Steve, whose battle with early-onset Alzheimer's led her to discover the life-changing effects of MCT and coconut oil. Dr. Newport also explores the crucial role of nutrition in managing Alzheimer's, the potential of exogenous ketones, and the intriguing hypothesis that links infections to the disease.About Mary Newport:Dr. Mary Newport, M.D., is a seasoned pediatrician and neonatologist with over thirty years of experience. She has been involved in founding and directing neonatal intensive care units in the Tampa Bay area. Transitioning later in her career to home hospice care and health risk assessments, Dr. Newport witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of a ketogenic nutritional intervention using coconut and medium-chain triglyceride oil on her husband, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She has since become an internationally recognized author and speaker, advocating for ketones as a brain fuel alternative.Two recent papers by Dr. Newport:Ketogenic Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Memory Impairments: History, Rationale, and 288 Caregiver Case ReportsThe Lipid–Heart Hypothesis and the Keys Equation Defined the Dietary Guidelines but Ignored the Impact of Trans-Fat and High Linoleic Acid ConsumptionSpecial thanks to the sponsors of this episode:Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics is giving you 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink here. Fatty15 is offering you 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going visiting this link and using code METABOLICLINK.Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Visit this link & use code METABOLICLINKIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Jul 16, 2024 • 58min
Metabolic Therapy for Serious Mental Illness | Dr. Deanna Kelly, Pharm.D., BCPP | The Metabolic Link Ep.45
Dr. Deanna Kelly discusses metabolic therapies for mental illness, including the use of ketogenic diet for schizophrenia. They explore the impact of diet on mental health, metabolic dysfunction in mental illness, personalized medicine, and challenges in implementing metabolic therapy.
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