Getting to the Bottom of My Health: Biotin and (V)LCAD

Getting to the Bottom of My Health: Biotin and (V)LCAD

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD April 6, 2023 Duration: 1:41:09

For nearly 20 years, I have strongly suspected that I have a genetic disorder in synthesizing or recycling something that is absent or poorly available from plant foods, is very rich in organ meats, and is not present in any of the supplements I was taking when I was a vegan.

After six months of research, testing, and self-experimenting, I now believe what I have been looking for is a mix of moderate genetic defects in biotin recycling, possibly combined with poor cellular uptake of biotin, and definitely combined with a defect in burning long-chain fatty acids for energy. The treatments for this, which I will be testing one at a time, will be high-dose biotin, high-dose riboflavin, possibly high-dose L-carnitine and glycine, and, if needed, an otherwise low-fat diet supplemented with C8-specific MCT oil.

This episode covers the content of the first of two articles I have written up on Substack.

First, I have a free gift for you: my MTHFR Protocol. This 7-page quick guide to optimizing your MTHFR status using foods and supplements is freely available to all subscribers to my Substack. Subscribe now and you will immediately get it emailed to you in the welcome email. You can subscribe here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/mthfr-protocol

The content of this episode can be found in the written version, with live links, here:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/getting-to-the-bottom-of-my-health 

The second article that will be covered in the next episode is about my self-experiments between September 2022 and June 2023 in the "biochemically unoptimized state" and can be found here:
 
 
Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.

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: 100

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
Self Experiments In the Biochemically Unoptimized State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:10
Finally, the long-awaited results of my self-experiments conducted from September through January are released! First, make sure you get my MTHFR Protocol, my free 7-page quick guide to optimizing and personalizing your…
My MTHFR Protocol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:49
I have a free gift for you. That is my MTHFR Protocol, a 7-page quick guide to optimizing and personalizing your methylation status using foods and supplements. My MTHFR Protocol is free to anyone who subscribes to my Su…
Phosphatidylcholine and TMAO | Masterjohn Q&A Files #312 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Question: If I'm at risk of heart disease and phosphatidylcholine increases my TMAO, should I stop the supplement? Short Answer: On a scale of one to ten, my concern about TMAO and cardiovascular disease is a three. Ther…
Does Erythritol Cause Heart Disease? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:37
This analysis of the recent study by the Hazen group at Cleveland Clinic published in Nature Medicine claiming erythritol contributes to cardiovascular disease shows the following: Why elevated plasma erythritol is likel…
Low Blood Sugar on Vegan Keto | Masterjohn Q&A Files #311 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:22
Question: How do I fix low blood sugar on vegan keto? Short Answer: Consider how important it is for your ketones to be elevated. Most likely you need to eat more protein, which will lower your ketones. I would aim for a…
Brain Fog on Calcium, Vitamin D, or K2 | Masterjohn Q&A Files #310 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:04
Question: Why would vitamin D, vitamin K2, and calcium give me brain fog? Short Answer: Most likely by decreasing serum phosphorus. The solution is to balance these nutrients with vitamin A and phosphorus. This is a clip…