📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

and/or

📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman explores the MTHFR gene and how common mutations can affect overall metabolic health. Ben explains the biochemical role of the MTHFR enzyme in the methylation cycle, its influence on homocysteine levels, and its downstream impact on DNA repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification.

Ben also discusses how impaired MTHFR function contributes to oxidative stress and insulin resistance, particularly through its effect on the insulin receptor’s expression and membrane insertion. He draws attention to the connection between poor methylation and chronic conditions like fatigue, hormone imbalance, and even cardiovascular risk.

The lecture also provides practical strategies to support healthy methylation, including the use of methylated B vitamins (such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin), food sources like liver, and appropriate cooking methods for plant-based folate. His emphasis throughout is on using targeted nutrition and lifestyle choices to compensate for genetic vulnerabilities.

Show Notes/References:

For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, online Office Hours access, Ben’s Research Review Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com

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📢 Dr. Bikman’s Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

and/or

📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman breaks down the true nature and benefits of creatine—a molecule often misunderstood as merely a muscle-building supplement. Creatine plays a critical role in cellular energy production by helping regenerate ATP, especially in high-energy tissues like skeletal muscle and the brain. While our bodies produce creatine endogenously, supplementation can significantly enhance its availability and effects.

Ben discusses how creatine has been shown to improve physical performance, support brain health, and even influence glucose metabolism. It helps increase strength, power output, and recovery during resistance training. In the brain, it supports cognitive function and may protect against neurodegenerative conditions. For individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, creatine can improve glucose uptake by enhancing GLUT4 translocation.

He also addresses common myths—especially the misconception that creatine damages the kidneys. Ben emphasizes that while creatinine levels may rise with supplementation, this does not indicate harm in healthy individuals. He further explains the potential gene-level benefits of creatine, such as improved expression of IGF-1 and myogenic regulatory factors related to muscle health.

The lecture concludes with practical advice on dosing and choosing the right form of creatine, noting that creatine monohydrate remains the most effective and well-studied option. Ben encourages its use not just for athletes but for anyone looking to support muscle, brain, or metabolic health.

Show Notes/References:

For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, online Office Hours access, Ben’s Research Review Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com

#Creatine #BenBikman #MetabolicHealth #ATP #InsulinResistance #BrainHealth #MuscleRecovery #CreatineMonohydrate #CognitivePerformance #EnergyMetabolism #GlucoseControl #Neuroprotection #MitochondrialHealth #SarcopeniaPrevention #Type2Diabetes #Nootropics #SupplementScience #KidneyHealth #MuscleGrowth #HealthOptimization

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📢 Dr. Bikman’s Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

and/or

📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman dives into the science behind nattokinase, an enzyme derived from natto—a fermented soybean staple in Japan. Nattokinase has gained attention for its cardiovascular benefits, especially its ability to dissolve blood clots. Ben explains the enzyme’s key role in degrading fibrin, the primary structural protein in clots, and how it stimulates the body’s own clot-dissolving pathway by activating plasminogen. He compares its action to pharmaceutical blood thinners like Warfarin but notes nattokinase may work without the same bleeding risks.

Beyond clot dissolution, Ben explores nattokinase’s effects on atherosclerosis. He shares clinical trial results where nattokinase reduced plaque size and arterial wall thickness, even outperforming statins in some metrics. The enzyme also appears to improve lipid profiles, including lowering triglycerides and slightly boosting HDL. Though Ben remains skeptical of LDL as a reliable heart disease predictor, these lipid changes are seen as beneficial.

The lecture also touches on how nattokinase might support metabolic health. Some human and animal studies suggest the enzyme improves insulin sensitivity, possibly by activating lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, both involved in fat metabolism. Rodent studies also hint at a role in reducing lipid peroxidation, potentially decreasing levels of oxidized LDL, a strong predictor of heart disease. However, Ben notes more human research is needed to confirm these findings.

Dr. Bikman ends the lecture by acknowledging the limitations of current nattokinase research, such as small study sizes, inconsistent dosing, and questions around supplement bioavailability. Despite these gaps, he finds the cardiovascular evidence promising and suggests those interested might consider trying natto—the whole food source—rather than a supplement. While not a magic bullet, nattokinase offers compelling support for vascular health and metabolic resilience.

Show Notes/References:

For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, online Office Hours access, Ben’s Research Review Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com

Ben’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884

Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://ketone.com/BEN30 (discount: BEN30)

Other products Ben likes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/benbikmanphd

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