The PricePlow Podcast

Welcome to Episode #149 of the PricePlow Podcast! In this special episode, Mike and Ben take you on a journey to Salt Lake City, where they visited the cutting-edge facilities of Sensapure Flavors. After spending 36 immersive hours learning the intricacies of flavor science, they sit down with two industry experts: Scott Zimmerman, a seasoned flavor chemist with nearly 40 years of experience, and Derek Greer, an expert in food technology who leads Sensapure’s application labs.

In this enlightening conversation, you’ll discover the art and science behind flavor formulation, especially within dietary supplements and functional foods. The team delves deep into how flavors are crafted to work around challenging base ingredients, the complexities of masking bitterness, and the innovative processes involved in creating both traditional and “fantasy” flavors.

Whether it’s the technicalities of reverse-engineering popular tastes, the importance of acids and sweeteners, or the future trends in flavoring, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about the flavors you enjoy every day.

Don’t miss this one — listen as we explore how Sensapure Flavors balances creativity, science, and market demands to produce flavors that not only taste amazing but also enhance the overall consumer experience. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making your favorite supplement taste just right, this episode is a must-listen!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/scott-zimmerman-derek-greer-sensapure-flavors-149

Video: Learn about Flavor Systems from the Professionals at Sensapure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnGCtUdMF78

Where to Follow Sensapure Flavors

Thank you very much to the team at Sensapure for bringing us into your beautiful facility and teaching us a ton about flavoring. We look forward to building more Sensapure Flavors content — sign up for our Sensapure news alerts so that you don’t miss out on the latest flavor technology updates!

On Episode #148 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Elias Chiatalas, CEO of SEE Nutrition, to discuss aXivite, a supplement ingredient known for fat loss and sports performance benefits.

Elias shares his journey, starting as an athlete and pursuing a degree in physical therapy, before moving into strength and conditioning. His passion for nutrition was reignited while working with professional athletes, leading him to establish SEE Nutrition.

aXivite: A Weight Loss Ingredient That Also Improves Performance

aXivite is a dietary supplement ingredient consisting of phenylcapsaicin, which is manufactured by a company named Axichem. Phenylcapsaicin is used for several purposes, but SEE Nutrition is the partner who sells it into the North American dietary supplement market as aXivite.

In this podcast, we learn of some of the many uses of aXivite, which goes beyond weight loss: the ingredient also has incredible performance and gut health potential. Through this, we learn of some of phenylcapsaicin’s other uses, such as protecting the gut health of chickens through its use in chicken feed!

At the end of the conversation, we go through some general diet discussion, and Elias provides a few very useful tips that can be used, especially with clients who like to drink too much soda!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/elias-chiatalas-axivite-see-nutrition-148

Video: Burn Fat and Increase Performance with aXivite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5ILARV_88

How to Follow Elias and SEE Nutrition

You can follow SEE Nutrition in the links below:

Thank you to Elias for coming on and telling your story – aXivite is an incredible ingredient we’ve definitely enjoyed using.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere else!

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

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

Where to Follow PLT Health Solutions

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

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

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

Where to Find Dom Kuza

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

How to Find Dan

Dan’s still off Instagram! But you can follow him and his brands at the following locations:

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

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

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

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

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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!

Read more on the PricePlow Blog