The PricePlow Podcast

On Episode #147 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Eric Withee, the Director of Ingredient Innovation at Freemen Nutra. The top of conversation is a new dietary supplement ingredient named Digexin, which is a combination of ashwagandha and okra extracts designed to support gut health. Freemen Nutra is traditionally a distributor of commodity ingredients, but is now beginning to focus on branded, research-backed ingredients to stay ahead in the industry, and they’ve got a star in Digexin. This ingredient promotes peristalsis — contraction of smooth muscle in the gut, helping to facilitate the movement of food. This ultimately leads to dramatically improved bowel movements, but as the data shows, so much more. Digexin: The First Ingredient to Support the Gut-Brain Axis The trio get into the gut-brain axis, an emerging field of research that we’re only beginning to understand, but hasn’t been properly targeted by the dietary supplement industry — until the development of Digexin. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/eric-withee-freemen-nutra-digexin-147 Video: Digexin and the Gut Brain Axis with Freemen Nutra’s Eric Withee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_sn2B6WrhY (0:00) – Introductions (4:15) – Digexin (12:00) – The Gut-Brain Axis (19:00) – The Uniqueness of Digexin (23:45) – The World of Gut Problems (31:45) – Digexin’s Versatility and Impressive Data (37:45) – Constipation (42:00) – First Digexin Supplement: Health Thru Nutrition’s Mindful GI (46:00) – Other Freemen Nutra Branded Ingredients: MemoQ and TamaFlex (48:00) – Sourcing Ingredients (52:15) – Goodbyes Thank you to Eric for joining us, and to everyone for listening and following along! Sign up for our Freemen Nutra news alerts and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on your preferred platform. Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify!

On Episode #146 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Steve Fink, Vice President of Marketing, and Dr. Jeremy Appleton, Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs, from PLT Health Solutions, a company specializing in natural, botanical ingredients. In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind some of the most innovative cognitive-supporting ingredients on the market today. Steve and Jeremy explain how these cutting-edge compounds are transforming the way we approach brain health. From improving focus and mental clarity to enhancing mood and reducing stress, PLT’s cognitive platform offers something for everyone looking to optimize their mental performance. Zynamite, Zembrin, and our first introduction to Vanizem We get into ingredients such as Zynamite, Zembrin, Rhodiolife, and the new Vanizem, which we’re extraordinarily excited about. Steve and Dr. Appleton also share insights into the rigorous research and development process that goes into creating these ingredients, emphasizing the importance of scientifically-backed claims and partnering with the right scientists. With over 75 years of heritage in the industry, PLT Health Solutions has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, effective products that meet the needs of both consumers and formulators. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/plt-health-cognitive-ingredients-146 Video: The PLT Health Cognitive Platform with Steve Fink and Dr. Jeremy Appleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIo51mGKiXc (0:00) – Introduction (4:45) – Zynamite (12:45) – How Zynamite works (20:00) – Zynamite in Formulas (25:30) – Other Cognitive Ingredients (33:15) – Zembrin (44:15) – Maintaining consistency (49:45) – Differentiation (57:45) – Strategic Formulation (1:04:50) – What makes Vanizem different? (1:11:30) – Marketing and Research (1:21:15) – Next Steps for Interested Brands Where to Follow PLT Health Solutions PLT Health Solutions on LinkedIn PLT Health Solutions on Instagram PLT Health Solutions news on PricePlow Sign up for our PLT Health Solutions news alerts above and below, subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and drop us a friendly review on iTunes and Spotify!

On Episode #145 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Christian Jonassen and Preston Losee from Arla Foods Ingredients to learn more about manufacturing protein bars and high-protein snacks – especially from the ingredient perspective. Arla Foods Ingredients is a subsidiary of Arla Foods, the world’s fourth-largest dairy company. We recently covered their platform of protein powders specifically designed for protein bars in our article, “Making Protein Bars WORK with Arla Foods Ingredients“, and decided it was time to bring in an expert. Christian, who has a background in baking and food technology, focuses on the science of incorporating protein into baked goods, while Preston, an account manager, discusses Arla’s involvement in the health and performance nutrition sector as a whole. They highlight the importance of ingredient selection in creating high-quality protein products, referencing a memorable protein brownie made with Arla’s ingredients that impressed at the Arnold 2024 expo. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/protein-bar-science-arla-foods-ingredients-145 Video: Protein Bar Science and Ingredients with Christian Jonassen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDOdsUoHI4Y (00:00) – Introduction and Background (03:00) – The Science of Baking and Protein Incorporation (09:30) – Collaboration with Brands (13:15) – Carbohydrate Sources as Binders (19:30) – Impact of Carbohydrate Sources on Shelf Stability and Sensory Perception (23:15) – Protein Bar Development (29:00) – Carbs and Texture (34:45) – On Glycerol (39:00) – PB8420 as a Plug-and-Play Solution (45:00) – Maximizing Protein Content (48:30) – Collagen in Protein Bars (52:45) – Sample Recipes for Brands (56:30) – Everyone’s Favorite Protein Bars? Thanks so much to Christian and Preston for coming on and providing more education — we’ve tasted the difference, and it’s real! Where to Follow Arla Foods Ingredients Arla Foods Ingredients on LinkedIn Arla Foods Ingredients news on PricePlow Arla Foods Ingredients Ready to Eat page Webinar: Protein Bars 360 – From Concept to Consumer Sign up for our Arla Foods Ingredients news alerts above, and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on any and all platforms — we appreciate reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

On Episode #144 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Dominic Kuza of Raw Nutrition and Revive MD, who comes on to explain some of the new formulas he’s been working on at the two companies since starting earlier this year. Dom was invited to explain his new formulation, the forthcoming Revive MD Sleep supplement, but as we dive deeper, he continues to greatly impress in this episode. But then it gets even better: Formulating with Feedback from Blood Work We learned that Dominic dives deep into blood work, thanks to his work at the Revive Health clinics, and he now supports many of Raw Nutrition’s and Revive MD’s ambassadors and sponsored athletes. Through his monitoring of blood work and finding legitimate fixes, he’s been able to formulate some incredible supplements that truly move the needle for his athletes, and that expertise now gets passed on to Revive MD consumers. Beyond Revive MD Sleep, we discuss some of the benefits of his other formulas, including Cortisol Support and Complete Vital. We also learn of his support in streamlining some of Revive MD’s other classic supplements, which will allow for fewer capsules coming soon in the future. All told, Raw Nutrition and Revive are certainly in good hands – the data-driven path is one that their consumers should fully get behind. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dom-kuza-revive-raw-nutrition-144 Video: Dom Kuza Formulates with Real-World Feedback https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPffv6V5jQU Detailed Show Notes: Dom Kuza of Revive / Raw Nutrition (0:00) – Introductions (5:45) – Dominic’s work at Revive (11:30) – Complete Vital (16:45) – Blood work (23:15) – Managing ferritin and iron levels (28:45) – Supplement formulation for systemic problems (31:00) – New Revive MD Sleep supplement (35:45) – Large Numbers of Pills and Doses in Revive MD’s Supplements (39:00) – Gut Health (42:00) – The Raw Endurance Line: RAW Fuel and Replenish (46:00) – Bodybuilding to Functional Training (49:15) – RAW and functional fitness (53:45) – Final notes Where to Find Dom Kuza Instagram: @_domkuza LinkedIn: Dom Kuza on LinkedIn Raw Nutrition Instagram: @getrawnutrition Revive MD Instagram: @revive_md Raw Nutrition on PricePlow Revive MD on PricePlow Thanks to Dom for joining us and dropping some excellent information! Sign up for our Raw Nutrition and Revive MD news alerts above, and don’t forget to subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform — leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify!

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: Dan Lourenço on LinkedIn Dan Lourenço on Twitter @GhostLifestyle on Instagram @GhostGamer on Instagram @GhostEnergy on Instagram 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!

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 Instagram: @ChadKerksick LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chadkerksick/ ISSN Website: SportsNutritionSociety… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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 Instagram: @ChadKerksick LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chadkerksick/ ISSN Website:… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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

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 NPANational.org NPA’s Take Action Page NPA on LinkedIn Dan Fabricant on LinkedIn Listen to Episode #100 with Dan Fabricant 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.

Gary Millet, Co-founder of Axcess Global and Ketone Labs, discusses the future applications of BHB research. He emphasizes using BHB as an energy source for cognitive support and performance, highlighting its benefits when combined with a carbohydrate-based diet. The episode explores the efficiency of BHB as a clean fuel source, the exploration of ketone isomers and exogenous ketones, and the potential of BHB consumption in sports nutrition.