

Mastering Nutrition
Chris Masterjohn, PhD
Welcome to the Mastering Nutrition podcast.
Mastering Nutrition is hosted by Chris Masterjohn, a nutrition scientist focused on optimizing mitochondrial health, and founder of BioOptHealth, a program that uses whole genome sequencing, a comprehensive suite of biochemical data, cutting-edge research and deep scientific insights to optimize each person's metabolism by finding their own unique unlocks.
He received his PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Connecticut at Storrs in 2012, served as a postdoctoral research associate in the Comparative Biosciences department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012-2014, served as Assistant Professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College from 2014-2017, and now works independently in science research and education.
Mastering Nutrition is hosted by Chris Masterjohn, a nutrition scientist focused on optimizing mitochondrial health, and founder of BioOptHealth, a program that uses whole genome sequencing, a comprehensive suite of biochemical data, cutting-edge research and deep scientific insights to optimize each person's metabolism by finding their own unique unlocks.
He received his PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Connecticut at Storrs in 2012, served as a postdoctoral research associate in the Comparative Biosciences department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012-2014, served as Assistant Professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College from 2014-2017, and now works independently in science research and education.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2022 • 7min
Why do my urinary B6 markers say I'm deficient if I'm supplementing and my plasma levels are high-normal? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #300
Short answer: Low or low-normal alkaline phosphatase may raise the plasma B6 level over the cellular level. Tryptophan metabolites in urine reflect the B6 requirement for the kynurenine pathway, and this requirement increases with more estrogen, more inflammation, or a higher protein intake. This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access five other free samples using this link: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-vitamin-d-fatty-liver In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions: What's the difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D when it comes to the VDR? Reversing Fatty Liver: How Long Does It Take? What if my A1C says I'm diabetic but my CGM says I'm fine? Will reishi, turmeric, or curcumin tank my testosterone? The 3 Phases of Fasting: And How to Get Kicked Out of Each One If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda Learn more about the Masterpass here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about This snippet is from the July 13, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included: How do I know if my digestive enzymes are helping or hurting? Why does high-dose glycine give me these terrible symptoms? How to know if my magnesium is messing with my calcium? Why do I have vitamin A symptoms when my lab tests are normal What is my favorite web site for finding enzymatic cofactors Potassium citrate vs potassium chloride Major problems with B vitamin supplements Is food sensitivity testing useful? What nutrients might help with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency? Does lipoic acid hurt methylation? Sulfur SIBO that just won't go away. Using lactate, pyruvate, and ketone ratios to indicate the NADH/NAD+ ratio. Helping bile flow without pharmaceuticals. Managing pernicious anemia. Do we really need to meet the RDA for calcium? Could stretch marks be a sign of copper toxicity? When iron saturation is driven by low binding capacity. How do I know if I need methyl-free Bs? What causes heat intolerance? Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-june-de3 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

Sep 26, 2022 • 15min
The 3 Phases of Fasting: And How to Get Kicked Out of Each One | Masterjohn Q&A Files #299
The podcast discusses the three phases of fasting and the transition from a fasted state to a fed state. It explores the depletion of liver glycogen and the shift to using ketones as fuel. The role of body signaling in transitioning between fasting states is also explained, along with the importance of preparatory signals when consuming food. The different stages of fasting and the changes that occur in the body during each phase are highlighted, including hepatic glycogen, gluconeogenesis, and ketones.

Sep 12, 2022 • 18min
Will reishi, turmeric, or curcumin tank my testosterone? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #298
Short answer: Probably not. Animal studies showing a difference use huge doses in an unrealistic context. Human studies show they don't at doses used. Human effect on PSA is vulnerable to regression to the mean and thoroughly unconvincing. This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access five other free samples using this link: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-vitamin-d-fatty-liver In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions: What's the difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D when it comes to the VDR? Reversing Fatty Liver: How Long Does It Take? What if my A1C says I'm diabetic but my CGM says I'm fine? The 3 Phases of Fasting: And How to Get Kicked Out of Each One If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda Learn more about the Masterpass here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about This snippet is from the June 16, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included: What to do about persistent SIBO? Are there toxicity concerns for intravenous B vitamins? Should zinc be taken apart from oral rehydration salts? Why would magnesium cause erratic heartbeat, bad dreams, and tinnitus? How do you know if you have low stomach acid? What is a good sweetener to replace granulated sugar? Do I need to eat foods with calcium every day? What bread do I eat? Should you take vitamin D for COVID prevention if you have a history of hypercalcemia? What to do about extreme CFS, depression, anxiety, and brain fog when nothing seems to work. Why balance K2 with vitamin E rather than K1? Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-june Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

Aug 22, 2022 • 5min
What if my A1C says I'm diabetic but my CGM says I'm fine? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #297
Short answer: Trust the CGM. HbA1c is confounded by red blood cell turnover and fructosamine 3-kinase activity. This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access five other free samples using this link: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-vitamin-d-fatty-liver In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions: What's the difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D when it comes to the VDR? Reversing Fatty Liver: How Long Does It Take? What if my A1C says I'm diabetic but my CGM says I'm fine? Will reishi, turmeric, or curcumin tank my testosterone? The 3 Phases of Fasting: And How to Get Kicked Out of Each One If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda Learn more about the Masterpass here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about This snippet is from the June 16, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included: What to do about persistent SIBO? Are there toxicity concerns for intravenous B vitamins? Should zinc be taken apart from oral rehydration salts? Why would magnesium cause erratic heartbeat, bad dreams, and tinnitus? How do you know if you have low stomach acid? What is a good sweetener to replace granulated sugar? Do I need to eat foods with calcium every day? What bread do I eat? Should you take vitamin D for COVID prevention if you have a history of hypercalcemia? What to do about extreme CFS, depression, anxiety, and brain fog when nothing seems to work. Why balance K2 with vitamin E rather than K1? Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-june Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

Jul 21, 2022 • 5min
Chips! The Only Ones I'll Endorse
My friend Steve, who is the one who originally introduced me to the Essex Farm CSA that now supplies me with almost all my food, has invented a new tortilla chip that launches today! MASA chips are made from organic corn from small New England farms. The corn is nixtimalized, which frees the niacin, makes it more digestible, and eliminates 97-100% of the mycotoxins (based on studies with aflatoxin). Then they are fried in grass-fed beef tallow! They are full-bodied and feel nourishing, and they are the perfect saltiness. That is, I do not feel like a company has tagged me as eating a low-salt diet just because I want a healthy chip. The bulk of your diet should be unprocessed and minimally processed foods, but there is an important place for health snacks! Get your MASA chips today at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masa and use the code MASTERJOHN for 10% off. I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You will rarely ever find me promoting a chip, but this is one I endorse! Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

Jun 23, 2022 • 2h 16min
The Ancestral Health Debate
Nick Hiebert and I debate the value of ancestral health as a framework for approaching health in the modern era. For my summary of and reflections on the debate, as well as time stamps, relevant links, and a transcript, head to: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/the-ancestral-health-debate If you found this valuable, please like, share, and comment on the Substack version to get it before more eyeballs. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

Jun 22, 2022 • 2h 18min
Mathew Crawford: Fraud in the Military's Health Database?
In this interview, Mathew Crawford walks me through his slide presentation of data showing that, at some point between 2020 and 2021, the 2016-2019 data from the US Military's health database was altered in a way that hides the explosion of poorly-defined illness among troops that happened in 2021 as the COVID vaccines were rolled out. For the video with the slides, a more complete summary, and a transcript, head over to Substack with this link: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/mathew-crawford-fraud-in-the-militarys If you find this valuable, please like, share, and comment on the Substack video to help me promote this before more eyeballs by leveraging the Substack algorithm. Please need to see this! Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

14 snips
Jun 9, 2022 • 1h 39min
Nutrition in Neuroscience Part 2 | Mastering Nutrition #41
Part 2 of how NUTRITION has a HUGE impact on your BRAIN! Everything in your brain is something you ate, something you made from something you ate, or, in a few cases, something your mother ate. Nutrition impacts your mental and emotional health, the function of your five senses, and your conscious and unconscious control over your body movements. Join me as I lead you in a safari through the textbook, "Neuroscience," pointing out along the way all the interesting connections to nutrition. Listen in for part 2 on the NEUROTRANSMITTERS! 0:00:37 Cliff Notes 0:04:15 Overview of neurotransmitters 0:06:55 Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. 0:14:08 De novo glutamate in the central nervous system is overwhelmingly made from glucose. 0:16:55 Ketogenic diet for epilepsy 0:20:12 Glutamate metabolism 0:23:42 There are two classes of glutamate receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic. 0:24:45 There are three classes of metabotropic glutamate receptors, their actions are complex and variable, and they can be excitatory or inhibitory. 0:25:05 The ionotropic glutamate receptors include AMPA receptors, NMDA receptors, and kainite receptors, all of which have a depolarizing effect by allowing sodium and potassium to flow freely through them. 0:27:47 Four unique things about the NMDA receptor: magnesium is required to block its ion channel, it's important for coincidence detection, it allows calcium to come into the cell, and it has a glycine-binding site. 0:33:16 Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are important for forming memories, and glutamate receptors play an important role. 0:40:48 GABA and glycine are the two primary inhibitory neurotransmitters of the central nervous system. 0:44:04 GABA and presumably glycine can be stimulatory if there is more chloride on the inside of the neuron than the outside. 0:48:53 Evidence that GABA might cross the blood-brain barrier 0:51:44 GABA in foods 0:54:14 GABA metabolism in the nervous system 0:56:08 Glycine 1:02:02 Acetylcholine 1:07:50 The biogenic amines include histamine, serotonin, and the catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). 1:08:30 Synthesis of the catecholamines 1:10:46 Dopamine 1:14:08 Norepinephrine 1:16:32 Histamine 1:20:15 Serotonin 1:23:10 ATP and adenosine 1:26:38 Peptide neurotransmitters 1:27:00 Hypothalamic releasing hormones include thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). 1:29:15 Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) 1:29:32 Oxytocin 1:30:18 Vasopressin 1:30:57 Synthesis of the neuropeptides Substance P, MSH, oxytocin, and vasopressin requires glycine, zinc, copper, and vitamin C. 1:34:24 Endocannabinoids and the importance of arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA Nutrition in Neuroscience Related Content Chris Masterjohn Lite: Could Oxaloacetate Supplements Help With Glutamate Sensitivity? Chris Masterjohn Lite: 5 Ways to Help With Glutamate Sensitivity and Glutamate Dominance Chris Masterjohn Lite: Does Glycine or GABA Wake You Up? Chris Masterjohn Lite: Carbs or Keto for Sleep? Chris Masterjohn Lite: How to Manage Your Magnesium Status Mastering Nutrition: Why You Need Glycine -- A Panel Discussion Balancing Methionine and Glycine in Foods: The Database Chris Masterjohn Lite: Get Better Sleep With Glycine Start Here for Methylation has glycine and choline resources, and covers the methylation process used in the synthesis and degradation of biogenic amines. Mastering Nutrition: Methylate Your Way to Mental Health With Dopamine The Pursuit of Happiness: How Nutrient-Dense Animal Fats Promote Mental and Emotional Health, covers the endocannibinoids. Testing Nutritional Status: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet is a comprehensive guide for testing nutritional status for all the nutrients discussed in this episode, and more. Use the code MASTERINGNUTRITION for $5 OFF. Nutrition in Neuroscience Research The textbook, Neuroscience. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. on the use of GABA for fear of heights and to alter anxiety- and focus-related brain waves. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration improves action selection processes: a randomised controlled trial on use of GABA to improve decision-making under pressure. Desarrollo de un pan de masa madre rico en GABA y péptidos IECA contains a table on the GABA content of foods on page 84 of the PDF. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from plants on the different plants containing natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. A Mass Spectrometry-Based Method to Screen for α-Amidated Peptides on the neuropeptides that require glycine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc for their biological activity. Effects of copper occupancy on the conformational landscape of peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase also on the neuropeptides that require glycine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc for their biological activity. Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/054-nutrition-in-neuroscience-part Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

May 25, 2022 • 1h 11min
A New Paradigm for Severe COVID
This new model I developed explains how the depletion of arginine and tryptophan and the sequestration of cysteine leads to T cell suppression in severe COVID and may reflect the rapid onset of a somewhat cancer-reminiscent state where vitamins A and D and other myeloid differentiation factors run out. The written version with references and links to research is available here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/a-new-paradigm-for-severe-covid If you find this valuable, please like, share, and comment on the Substack article to help boost it within the Substack algorithm and get more people to read it. Vitamins A and D should be properly balanced with each other, and with vitamins E and K. My COVID-specific recommendations for this balance are in the COVID Guide, and recommendations for balancing them in various different contexts are included in the Vitamins and Minerals 101 Cliff Notes, both of which are freely available to paid Substack subscribers. These also contain general (Cliff Notes) or COVID-specific (COVID Guide) information for managing all the other nutrients mentioned. I will be updating the COVID guide next time to include tryptophan and N-acetylcysteine whenever arginine is used, but other than that this new paradigm does not alter the protocol. It does, however, move much more emphasis to A and D, and bring A onto much more equal footing with D. Disclaimer I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. My goal is to empower you with information. Please make all health decisions yourself, consulting sources you trust, including a caring health care professional. Paid Subscriptions, Coming Guides, the Book My current plan is to wrap up a vaccine side effect protocol and my general work on the vaccines into a COVID Vaccine Guide that will be free to those who have pre-ordered my book, Masterpass members, and paid Substack subscribers. I will then do one final update to the COVID guide, also free to everyone I just mentioned. Paid Substack subscribers and Masterpass members will also have access to all paid-only Substack posts, which are the posts that feed into the creation of the vaccine side effect protocol. Most of these will be available for 48 hours to everyone. You can become a paid Substack subscriber here, which earns you 50% off the fee on Masterpass membership if you choose to join. The book can be pre-ordered here. As soon as these two guides are finished I will return full-time to finishing the book and will send everyone who pre-ordered an ETA as soon as I am ready. Take a Look at the Store At no extra cost to you, please consider buying products from one of my popular affiliates using these links: Paleovalley, Magic Spoon breakfast cereal, LMNT, Seeking Health, Ancestral Supplements. Find more affiliates here. For $2.99, you can purchase The Vitamins and Minerals 101 Cliff Notes, a bullet point summary of all the most important things I've learned in over 15 years of studying nutrition science. For $10, you can purchase The Food and Supplement Guide for the Coronavirus, my protocol for prevention and for what to do if you get sick (free if you become a paid subscriber to my Substack). For $15, you can pre-order a single format of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book, my complete guide to nutrition, to be finished as soon as my work on COVID vaccines is done. For $25, you can pre-order a digital bundle of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book. For $29.99, you can purchase a copy of my ebook, Testing Nutritional Status: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet, my complete system for managing your nutritional status using dietary analysis, a survey of just under 200 signs and symptoms, and a comprehensive guide to proper interpretation of labwork. For $35, you can pre-order a complete bundle of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book. For a recurring $15/month or $120/year, you can join the CMJ Masterpass, with monthly access to live Zoom Q&A sessions with me, and huge discounts on my consulting, my informational products, and the health and wellness products from other companies that I value most. Paid Substack subscribers get 50% off the membership fee. For $250-$1499.99, you can work one-on-one with me. In any amount at all, you can make a donation to support my work on COVID vaccines during this time when our freedom of speech, bodily autonomy, and right to earn a living are all under attack. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

6 snips
Apr 30, 2022 • 16min
Reversing Fatty Liver: How Long Does It Take? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #296
Short answer: You should be able to see changes on imaging within a few weeks if your approach is working well, but ultimately this is entirely dependent on how negative your "delta fatty liver = (fat in) - ((fat out) + (fat burned))" equation is. This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access five other free samples using this link: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-vitamin-d-fatty-liver In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions: What's the difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D when it comes to the VDR? What if my A1C says I'm diabetic but my CGM says I'm fine? Will reishi, turmeric, or curcumin tank my testosterone? The 3 Phases of Fasting: And How to Get Kicked Out of Each One If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda Learn more about the Masterpass here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about This snippet is from the April 13, 2022 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included: How to balance vitamins E and K What prenatal vitamin do I recommend? Why does my smoothie make my hands cold? What type of choline to use? Is there an interaction between glycine and aspirin? What supplements can be used in the fasting state? How to manage protein intake within a small eating window on an intermittent fasting regimen? Looking at a study on calcium alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation. Should I take vitamin D for COVID if I easily get hypercalcemia from it? What to do about nausea in pregnancy? Brief questions on restless legs, exercise during fasting, puffy eyes, and health effects of spicy foods. Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/ask-me-anything-april-13-2022 Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here. Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


