#448: Turning Sugar into Fiber, Hangover Science, and the Truth About Genetically Modified Probiotics | Zack Abbott

Today, I’m joined by Zack Abbott, a biotech innovator who took an unconventional path—from pharmaceutical science to the front lines of consumer health. Instead of following the well-worn route of drug development, Zack set his sights on bringing cutting-edge biotechnology directly to people, creating products designed not just for convenience, but for genuinely transforming our relationship with microbiology.

Anyone who uses code NATNIDDAM will get 10% off their first order! Visit https://zbiotics.com/NATNIDDAM.

Episode Timestamps:

Podcast introduction and host background ... 00:00:00

Consumer impact versus traditional drug industry ... 00:06:06

Gap and opportunity for biotech in consumer space ... 00:06:42

Engineered probiotics: not hacks but new relationships with biology ... 00:07:19

Scientific and public responses to engineered probiotics ... 00:09:03

Technology behind genetically engineered probiotics explained ... 00:17:39

Bacillus subtilis: why it’s the ideal delivery vehicle ... 00:27:08

Sugar-to-fiber product mechanism and rationale ... 00:32:58

Importance of fiber quantity and diversity for gut health ... 00:42:26

Sugar-to-fiber: capabilities and limitations ... 00:54:06

Keto/carnivore implications and who benefits from sugar-to-fiber ... 00:57:51

Misunderstandings and realities about GMOs in consumer biotech ... 01:00:02

Regulation, safety, and honest claims in biotech supplements ... 01:07:01

Current science and future of the microbiome in longevity ... 01:12:14

Personalization, AI, and microbiome-directed health ... 01:13:10

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