On Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, to discuss VNella, a revolutionary probiotic strain derived from the microbiomes of elite athletes. The conversation explores how this cutting-edge innovation optimizes endurance, reduces fatigue, and brings next-generation biotechnology to everyday health and performance.
Fitbiomics CEO Jonathan Scheiman joins the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #158 and explains how they discovered VNella – a breakthrough probiotic strain found in ultra-endurance athletes that metabolizes lactic acid to enhance performance, reduce fatigue, and optimize the microbiome for everyday athletes
VNella: Optimizing Human Performance Through the Microbiome
Dive into the science behind VNella, a first-of-its-kind probiotic that metabolizes lactic acid to fuel mitochondria, enhance recovery, and improve overall energy levels. Jonathan shares the groundbreaking journey of FitBiomics, from analyzing the microbiomes of ultra-endurance athletes to developing consumer products that benefit everyone from Olympians to everyday fitness enthusiasts.
The trio also explore the role of athletes in product development, the broader applications of microbiome research, and FitBiomics’ ambitious vision to transform health and wellness through proprietary probiotics. This is a podcast packed with science, innovation, and practical takeaways for optimizing performance and well-being. Let’s dive in!
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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jonathan-scheiman-fitbiomics-158
Video: Decoding Elite Athletes’ Microbiomes and Making VNella at Fitbiomics
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:13 — 66.3MB)
Detailed Show Notes with Jonathan Scheiman
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00:00 – Introduction, Jonathan’s Background, and the Origins of Fitbiomics
Mike and Ben welcome Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, who shares his journey from being a collegiate athlete to becoming a molecular biologist and entrepreneur. He explains how his background in Division I basketball and biomedicine inspired the creation of FitBiomics, a company focused on translating the microbiomes of elite athletes into next-generation probiotics.
Jonathan emphasizes the intersection of health, performance, and cutting-edge biotechnology, detailing how studying the unique microbial profiles of top athletes has enabled his team to develop probiotics that optimize endurance, recovery, and overall health for broader populations. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between elite performance and everyday wellness.
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06:00 – Development of FitBiomics Products
Jonathan delves into the development process behind FitBiomics’ products, highlighting the sophisticated science and innovation involved. He describes how the company translates microbiome insights into commercial probiotics, such as recruiting elite athletes, collecting biological samples, and leveraging advanced metagenomic research. Through extensive clinical validation and industrial scaling, FitBiomics has turned complex scientific discoveries into accessible consumer products.
Jonathan also emphasizes the seamless user experience, comparing the ease of taking their probiotics to the years of intricate biotechnology and translational research that underpin them. The result is a breakthrough in health and performance optimization, accessible to all.
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09:30 – The Science of VNella and Lactic Acid Metabolism
Meet V•Nella, the endurance probiotic! Designed to help metabolize lactic acid, it’s shown promising results in early studies, improving performance with Veillonella atypica FB0054. V•Nella could be the future of specific-use probiotics, especially for endurance athletes looking to push further.
VNella is a probiotic strain identified by FitBiomics as pivotal for enhancing endurance and reducing fatigue. Jonathan explains how VNella metabolizes lactic acid, a byproduct of intense exercise, converting it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids that fuel mitochondria, improve energy, and aid in recovery. Contrary to common misconceptions, lactic acid is reframed as a critical energy source that VNella optimizes through a symbiotic feedback loop.
This discovery emerged from studies on ultra-endurance athletes, whose microbiomes uniquely support high-intensity physical activity. VNella’s role in modulating this process positions it as a groundbreaking tool for performance enhancement and broader health benefits.
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11:15 – Explanation of Gut Microbiome’s Role in Health and Performance
Jonathan describes the microbiome as an ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that profoundly influence key bodily functions, including energy metabolism, protein breakdown, immune system activation, and neurological health. He emphasizes that optimizing the microbiome, particularly in elite athletes, can lead to significant improvements in endurance, strength, recovery, and mental resilience.
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21:30 – Clinical Studies and Validation of VNella
Jonathan discusses FitBiomics’ journey from preclinical research to human trials, detailing a pivotal study in which VNella demonstrated significant improvements in VO2 max and endurance while preventing performance decline. Initial animal studies showed a 13% increase in endurance compared to controls, and subsequent human trials confirmed these findings, with participants noticing tangible benefits within just two weeks of use.
Published in reputable journals like Nature Medicine and iScience, this research underscores the scientific rigor behind VNella, marking it as a groundbreaking probiotic for enhancing physical performance and reducing fatigue.
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30:30 – Practical Applications for VNella
Jonathan explains how VNella supports endurance, recovery, and daily energy, making it valuable for professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday individuals alike. Clinical studies have shown that even sedentary users experience reduced fatigue and improved energy levels, while active users report enhanced performance and quicker recovery.
Jonathan also discusses dosing strategies, noting that benefits are typically noticeable within 7–10 days and that consistency is key for optimal results. Whether for improving workout intensity or simply boosting day-to-day vitality, VNella offers broad health and performance advantages.
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45:15 – Athletes and Their Role in Product Development
Genus Veillonella Post Marathon
Jonathan explains how elite athletes were integral to the innovation process, providing biological samples and insights that helped identify VNella and validate its effectiveness. To ensure an ethical and collaborative approach, FitBiomics compensates athletes not only with free products and data but also with equity in the company, acknowledging their contributions as partners in developing transformative health solutions.
Athletes also serve as early adopters and advocates, offering feedback and real-world performance data that help refine the products. This unique partnership bridges cutting-edge science with practical applications, fostering trust and innovation.
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50:45 – Big Picture and Future of FitBiomics
Jonathan shares the company’s ambition to expand beyond probiotics for endurance and recovery, aiming to address diverse health challenges such as metabolic health, chronic fatigue, and neurocognitive performance.
FitBiomics is already identifying additional microbial strains with potential benefits for mood, strength, and recovery. Jonathan envisions integrating these innovations into the $7 trillion wellness economy through partnerships in food, beverage, and consumer health products. By leveraging their unique database of elite phenotypes, FitBiomics aims to revolutionize wellness with proprietary biological solutions that deliver tangible benefits for all.
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56:15 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Jonathan reflects on the transformative potential of FitBiomics’ products, emphasizing their accessibility and impact on health and performance. He highlights the unique positioning of VNella and Nella as affordable, cutting-edge innovations that deliver noticeable benefits within days. Jonathan encourages listeners to explore the products, especially men seeking to regain vitality and optimize daily performance.
He also touches on societal trends, such as the growing interest in biohacking and proactive health management, particularly among men who have traditionally been passive about their wellness. Jonathan concludes with an invitation to stay connected with FitBiomics (@Fitbiomics on Instagram) for future breakthroughs and updates.
Where to Follow Jonathan and Fitbiomics
- Jonathan Scheiman on LinkedIn
- @Fitbiomics on Instagram
- Fitbiomics News on PricePlow
Thank you to Jonathan for coming on and educating us! Stay up to date with Fitbiomics’ latest news by signing up for PricePlow’s alerts below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review!
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