Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.

Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD December 9, 2025 Duration: 3:16
 
Aging is best explained by declining mitochondrial function over time.
 
This answers its own "why."
 
Mitochondria produce the energy needed for repair so if any of it gets lost it sets up a vicious cycle. And some *always* gets lost.
 
But how much is under your control.
 
From Joe Rogan Experience JRE 2420.
 
It's a vicious cycle initiated by the second law of thermodynamics which requires a constant input of energy to prevent the collapse of order.
 
Hence, there will always be slippage, but how much slippage depends on genetics, environment, and behavior, and all slippage leads to loss of mitochondrial repair, which itself directly causes the loss of repair capacity as it weakens the defense against the imperative of the second law of thermodynamics.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 712

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
High-Fat Diets Make You Need More Riboflavin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #146 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:20
Eating keto? Low-carb? High-fat? 🙋🏽🙋🏼‍♂️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️🙋🏿‍♀️ You might need more riboflavin. 😬 This episode covers how much more you'd need and how to get it from food. This episode is brought to you by Vitamins and Minerals 10…
How to Know If You Need More Riboflavin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #143 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:47
Riboflavin is the ultimate fat-burning nutrient. 🔥 Could you need more of it? This episode covers the signs you could need a just a little more, and what it would look like if you started running real low. This episode i…
Ask Us Anything About Gut Health |Mastering Nutrition #71 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:08
Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/ask-us-anything-about-gut-health Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mito…
How to Take Niacin Without Flushing | Chris Masterjohn Lite #141 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:51
Ugh, the NIACIN FLUSH! 🥵🥵🥵 This episode covers what to do and what NOT to do to avoid it. It covers slow-release niacin, extended-release niacin, inositol hexanicotinate, niacinamide, aspirin, and waiting it out. This ep…
The Best Blood Test for Niacin | Chris Masterjohn Lite #138 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:09
Here's why the best test for niacin status is HDRI's NADH/NADPH, how to use it to calculate the niacin number, and what numbers you should be aiming for. This episode is brought to you by Vitamins and Minerals 101. This…