Optimum Nutrition

In 2002, Rob Verkerk was seven years into postdoctoral research at Imperial College when EU legislation threatened to restrict natural forms of vitamins and minerals. He took a sabbatical to fight it, turned down tenure, and founded the Alliance for Natural Health. More than two decades on, he’s still making the case for “good science and good law”.

In this episode, Verónica Muñoz sits down with Rob to ask why adding nutrients to refined foods isn’t the answer. They put folate forms to the test, exploring why synthetic folic acid isn’t the same as bioactive methylfolate, who struggles to convert it, and why those most at risk often have the least access to better options. Rob also shares practical advice on getting more from zinc and magnesium, from timing and form to splitting your dose.

They also tackle the bigger picture: proposed caps on vitamin and mineral levels in Europe, the new EU rules on gene-edited crops, which Rob argues could let them reach shelves without safety testing or labels, and why he favours metabolic flexibility over dietary dogma.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a student or simply curious about what’s on your plate, this is a conversation about why real food and personalised nutrition education should come first.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Is Alzheimer's really written into our genes, or is it largely down to how we live and eat? In the first episode of this new season, journalist Verónica Muñoz Martínez sits down with Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) and best-selling author, to explore how Alzheimer's can be prevented through nutrition. With over 40 years of experience in nutritional therapy, Patrick unpacks that question and more, explaining why he chose Alzheimer's as his life's focus and the practical steps anyone can take to protect their brain. It's a conversation packed with science, personal insight and hope, and a powerful reminder that prevention starts on our plates.

Topics covered :

• Why Patrick made Alzheimer's prevention his main focus and life's work
• Is Alzheimer's genetic? The truth about the amyloid gene mutation
• Cognitive decline starts young: why testing your brain health matters from your 20s
• Food for the Brain's free cognitive function test and what it reveals
• Key supplements and biomarkers for brain health: vitamin C, vitamin D, B12, omega-3, homocysteine and glutathione
• Using data and self-testing for personalised prevention
• Taking the model global: Patrick's work with China and Algeria on nationwide Alzheimer's prevention
• Industry influence in public health policy
• Behaviour change as the biggest barrier to better health
• Patrick's book Alzheimer's Prevention is Cure and his upcoming documentary

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Nutritional therapist Dominique Ludwig joins host Natalie Li to share the simple, no‑nonsense habits that have transformed the health of thousands of clients. 

She explains why ditching ultra‑processed foods, eating three proper meals a day and prioritising protein and fibre can rapidly boost energy, mood and satiety. 

Dominique reflects on 30 years in the field, how nutrition science has evolved, and why consistency — not perfection — is the real secret to feeling better. She also breaks down her Triple 30 method and the principles behind her new book, No Nonsense Nutrition.

A practical, empowering conversation for anyone ready to quiet food noise and feel fuller, stronger and more nourished.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

Functional dentist Dr Victoria Sampson joins host Natalie Li to explore why the mouth is one of the most powerful – and overlooked – indicators of whole‑body health. 

From the oral microbiome to menopause, and even dental care for astronauts, Sampson breaks down how what happens in the mouth reflects what’s happening everywhere else.

• Discover why saliva is a diagnostic goldmine
• Learn how bleeding gums signal systemic inflammation
• Sampson reveals why diet remains one of the biggest drivers of oral health

Sampson also shares how she’s redesigning the traditional dental checkup with deeper testing, personalised care, and even the use of music to transform the patient experience.

This episode is a sharp, science‑informed look at the mouth-body connection – perfect for clinicians, nutrition professionals, and anyone curious about the future of oral health.

• Link to Covid investigation 
• Dirk Neefs Dentist

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

We speak with Emily Johnson, a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie, about growing up with autoimmune arthritis, the years of confusion before diagnosis, and how a science-informed anti-inflammatory lifestyle helped her find steadier ground alongside medication.

Now studying a part-time BSc degree in Nutritional Therapy with the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, Emily is developing an in-depth, science-informed understanding of nutrition and lifestyle science.  The course offers hands-on experience and teaches students how to guide clients towards lasting health changes. 

In this episode we cover:

 • Early symptoms in childhood and at university
 • Frustrations with delayed diagnosis and first treatments
 • Methotrexate benefits and side effects
 • Relapse that led to diet and lifestyle change
 • Building Arthritis Foodie and writing two books
 • Evidence behind Mediterranean-style eating
 • Community support reducing isolation
 • Studying nutritional therapy at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION)
 • Curiosity about hormones and pain links
 • Day-to-day meals, prep, and simple swaps
 • First steps for newly diagnosed people
 • 80–20 approach and flare-up toolkits

Follow Emily Johnson on Instagram @ArthritisFoodie

https://arthritisfoodie.com/

Check out Emily's Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode we sit down with Dr Jenna Macciochi, leading immunologist and author of Immune to Age, to explore the powerful connection between immunity and aging. Macchiochi has spent 20 years studying the immune system.

From infectious disease to autoimmunity, lifespan vs. healthspan, and the science of inflammageing, Jenna explains how your immune system is your lifelong health ally. We discuss watershed ages, lifestyle choices that matter most, and the concept of ‘soul span’: living with meaning in the main event of life. 

This is the perfect episode for the curious listener seeking sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of longevity.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode we sit down with Dr Jenna Macciochi, leading immunologist and author of Immune to Age, to explore the powerful connection between immunity and aging. Macchiochi has spent 20 years studying the immune system.

From infectious disease to autoimmunity, lifespan vs. healthspan, and the science of inflammageing, Jenna explains how your immune system is your lifelong health ally. We discuss watershed ages, lifestyle choices that matter most, and the concept of ‘soul span’: living with meaning in the main event of life. 

This is the perfect episode for the curious listener seeking sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of longevity.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode of the Optimum Nutrition podcast, host Natalie Li speaks with Tom Baxter, farmer and founder of the Bristol Fungarium, which produces the UK's first organic certified medicinal mushrooms.

Tom explores the journey of mushroom farming, the health benefits of various mushrooms like Reishi and Lion's Mane, and the science behind their medicinal properties. Tom shares insights into the challenges faced by the mushroom industry, the cultural significance of fungi, and the future trends in mushroom consumption.

This conversation highlights the importance of soil health and the potential of mushrooms to address various health issues, making it a rich resource for anyone interested in nutrition and wellness. 

If you want to support their work or try their tinctures, head over to bristolfungarium.com and explore their offerings. 

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

In this episode, Dan Kittredge – founder of the Bionutrient Food Association and the Bionutrient Institute – takes us on a journey from his roots on an organic farm to leading a global movement for better food. 

He breaks down the concept of nutrient density, why soil health matters more than ever, and how citizen science is empowering everyday consumers to demand higher-quality food. 

Dan shares simple, actionable steps farmers can take to improve crop nutrition and outlines a bold vision for shifting agriculture’s focus from yield to quality. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your food and how it impacts your health, this episode is your wake-up call.

Chapters 

00:00 The Journey of Dan Kittredge

05:34 Understanding Nutrient Density

15:49 The Science of Soil Health and Food Quality

22:29 Empowering Consumers through Citizen Science

23:43 The Nutritional Decline Across Generations

25:32 Transforming Soil Health: A Simple Approach

30:42 Shifting Focus: From Yield to Quality in Agriculture

32:10 The Role of Citizen Science in Agriculture

33:50 Defining Nutrient Density: A New Framework

35:07 The Future of Food: Enhancing Nutrient Density

39:19 Global Outreach: Building a Movement for Change

🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: 

The Bionutrient Institute is a project of the Bionutrient Food Association.

The Bionutrient Meter is a handheld spectrometer that works through the principle of spectroscopy. The Bionutrient Meter has lights (LEDs - light emitting diodes) that emit light at very specific wavelengths, which then bounce off objects like carrots, or carrot pulp, or spinach, or soil. Some of it is absorbed by the object and turned into other forms of energy, like heat. A light sensor in the device reads how much light bounces back for each wavelength very quickly and multiple times throughout a given measurement.

Want to learn more?

The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms
Fri 7 November 2025 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
BMA House, London, WC1H 9JP

Join ION for an inspiring evening exploring the science and practice of medicinal mushrooms - with expert talks, a panel discussion, and opportunities to connect.

Find out more and book

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.

We're back for season four!

Julia Bradbury is a renowned British television presenter, journalist and environmental advocate, best known for her work on nature documentaries like Countryfile and Britain’s Best Walks. 

In this enlightening and inspiring conversation, she shares her health journey with Natalie Li, Communications Officer at ION. 

She discusses the importance of nutrition, stress management, and the healing power of nature. Her new book, Hack Yourself Healthy, explores biohacking and preventative health measures, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness that integrates emotional health and nature therapy. 

(Cover image credit: David Venni)

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Julia Bradbury's Journey 

02:56 Transition from journalism to nature broadcasting 

05:35 Facing Breast Cancer: A Personal Journey 

08:34 Nutrition Before and After Diagnosis 

11:06 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Health 

14:15 Exploring 'Hack Yourself Healthy' and Its Insights 

19:55 Food Choices: A New Approach to Nutrition 

43:29 Navigating the Toxicity of social media 

43:31 The healing power of Ayurveda 

01:04:02 The Therapeutic Benefits of Walking 

01:09:14 Integrating Nature Therapy into Healthcare 

🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: 

https://juliabradbury.com/
Julia Bradbury’s new book Hack Your Healthy is out now 

🔖Clare Pooley, author of the Sober Diaries, and featured in Hack Yourself Healthy.
www.clarepooley.com 

🔖Anna Mathur is a psychotherapist, author and speaker.   
www.annamathur.com 

🔖Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is actively engaged in clinical research on epigenetics and longevity using a diet and lifestyle intervention developed in her research and practice. 

www.drkarafitzgerald.com

🔖 Two hours a week is key dose of nature for health and wellbeing – a study led by Dr Mat White, of the University of Exeter Medical School. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3 

https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_720059_en.html#:~:text=Research%20led%20by%20the%20University,all%20during%20an%20average%20week. 

🔖Hum2n, biohacking lab in London 
https://www.hum2n.com/ 

📌The NMI Summit 2025 is the biggest and most important event of its kind for Nutritional Therapy. It takes place on 3-4 October in London.  
This year’s theme: The Path to Resilience: Personalised Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine for Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health 

Visit www.NMI.health to learn more.  
Use the code ION20% for a special 20% off for ION Podcast listeners. 

If you enjoyed this episode, follow us on social media @ion_nutrition, sign up to our monthly newsletter and why not leave us a comment below.

Interested in learning about nutritional therapy?
Visit www.ion.ac.uk to find out more.

Views expressed by guests are not those of ION, nor does ION endorse any third party products mentioned.

Recorded on Riverside. See for more https://riverside.com/privacy-policy information.