Episode Details

When it comes to nutrition benefits, clams are interesting creatures.

For example, they are a well known as a source of iron. 

There are two types of iron - heme and non-heme iron. Heme-iron is more bioavailable, which means it is better absorbed and can be utilized by the body. Clams have both versions of iron, and a 3-ounce serving of clams can provide up to 24 mg of iron. But they are an excellent source of:

- Omega-3 fatty acids

- Protein

- Vitamin A

- Niacin

- Potassium

- Thiamin

- Calcium

- Thiamine

- Folate

- Choline

- Magnesium

- Sodium

- Iron

- Vitamin B12

- Selenium

-Manganese

-Vitamin C

-Copper

- Phosphorus

-Riboflavin

- Zinc

- Vitamin E

- Vitamin B6

- Vitamin K

The list goes on and on...and my guest on today's show, Craig Dinkel - a supplement formulator, ultra-endurance athlete, altitude specialist and much more - has managed to study and harness the power of clams. On today's show we take a deep dive into clams, his new Altifuel supplement, and much, much more.

During our discussion, you'll learn: -About Craig's adventure on the Hardest Hike in America (which we talked about his last time on the podcast)...4:30

• Along the Sierra High route; At altitude (9-12k feet); 33 mountain passes
• Takes over 3 weeks to finish
• Pack ultra-light everything
• Big mistake: Bought ultra-light backpack
  • Not designed to carry as much weight.
  • Excess weight caused strain on lower back and glutes
  • Get the weight higher up (mid-back or higher)
• Decided to pull out the 3rd day - potentially dangerous situation

-Why Craig initially sought the health benefits of clams...19:20

• Desiccated liver extract powder great for high-altitude events
• Clams have highest amount of iron and Vitamin B12 available
• Clams are a more potent version of the desiccated liver

-Concerns about the level of contaminants found in clams...23:45

• Use wild, farm-raised clams
• Small serving (3 oz.) of clams contain 1500% of daily iron intake
• Heme vs. non-heme iron
• Great source of minerals
• High amount of Omega 3 and Vitamin K2

-What Craig combines clams with to get the highest level of efficacy...30:30

• Cordyceps, rhodiola, ginkgo biloba
• Rhodiola crenulata vs. Rosea
• Maintains sodium pulmonary transport in the body
• Helps reverse altitude sickness
• AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
• Cordyceps - Oxygen producing capabilities with poly saccharides
• Why not add blue-green AFA to his ingredients...
  • Strong nootropic effect
  • Helps with muscle recovery
  • Wanted most powerful source to work with blood development; clams superior.
  • Have to pick and choose what you think is the best

-Best practices for taking the capsules...43:00

• Find lowest dose for highest impact

-And much more... Resources from this episode: 

-Kifaru backpacks

-Altifuel supplement with clam option and liver option

-Biotropic Labs 

-My previous episodes with Craig Dinkel: