From Lab to Label: The Scientification of Consumer Brands
From Lab to Label: The Scientification of Consumer Brands

From Lab to Label: The Scientification of Consumer Brands

Citruslabs

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Episodes

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Welcome to From Lab to Label, a podcast exploring the intersection of science and consumer brands in the health & wellness industry. Through candid conversations, you'll hear firsthand, behind-the-scenes accounts of the challenges and opportunities that arise when engaging your product in a clinical trial. Our guests share their experiences in navigating the road to clinical validation and highlight how seeking product claims drove business success. In each episode, our host Susanne Mitschke (CEO and Co-Founder of Citruslabs) sits down with brand owners to discuss their journey.

Recent Episodes

Episode #48: The Truth About Supplement Absorption with Dr. Shilpa Raut from Cymbiotika
MAR 25, 2026
Episode #48: The Truth About Supplement Absorption with Dr. Shilpa Raut from Cymbiotika
You've read the label. You've taken the pill. But do you actually know if it's working?In this episode, Susanne sits down with Dr. Shilpa Raut, VP of Research and Development at Cymbiotika. Drawing on years at pharmaceutical giants like Novartis and Ritual, Shilpa pulls back the curtain on supplement science.Shilpa breaks down why absorption and delivery matter just as much as quality, how liposomal formulation is changing the game, and why Cymbiotika is putting its finished products through clinical trials.What’s covered in this episode:The transition from big pharma into the supplement industry and what was missing along the wayWhat liposomal delivery means and why it changes how nutrients are absorbedWhy Cymbiotika’s glutathione became a standout product and what recent clinical results revealedHow the team balances consumer demand, emerging science, and brand standards when developing new formulasWhat shoppers should actually look for on a supplement label and the red flags to avoidTune in to hear how Cymbiotika is bringing more scientific rigor to the supplement space and why bioavailability should be part of every wellness conversation! About CymbiotikaCymbiotika formulates products using advanced liposomal delivery systems designed to enhance nutrient bioavailability and absorption. Every ingredient is carefully selected and sourced directly from trusted global partners who share the company’s values of sustainability, purity, and excellence. With no hidden ingredients and full label transparency, Cymbiotika empowers individuals to take control of their health with confidence.Get in TouchVisit Cymbiotika’s website: https://cymbiotika.com/Follow Cymbiotika on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cymbiotika/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cymbiotika/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cymbiotikaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CymbiotikaInterested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at [email protected]; we would love to learn more about your company! To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.comYou can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected]
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41 MIN
Episode #47: Challenging the Pet Food Industry with Sue Delegan from Brutus Broth
MAR 11, 2026
Episode #47: Challenging the Pet Food Industry with Sue Delegan from Brutus Broth
In this episode, Susanne sits down with Sue Delegan, co-founder and CEO of Brutus Broth, to share how a rescued dog named Brutus inspired a pet wellness brand now found in more than 20,000 retail locations. Sue walks through the early days of turning a family bone broth recipe into a product built specifically for pets, the decisions behind formulations, and how the company scaled across both mass retailers and specialty stores. Along the way, she shares a candid look at what the pet nutrition industry often gets wrong and what pet parents should actually focus on when it comes to long-term animal health.What’s covered in this episode:The rescue story behind Brutus and the early inspiration for the brandWhy bone broth made for pets requires a different formulation than human brothHow Brutus Broth scaled into major retailers across the countryWhy the team invested in clinical studies and how they support retail partnershipsWhat pet owners often overlook when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and longevity in animalsTune in to hear how a simple act of care turned into a fast-growing pet wellness brand and what founders can learn from building products rooted in real-life experience! About Brutus BrothBrutus Broth was created with one simple goal: to help more dogs enjoy the benefits of bone broth. Inspired by the diet of their own dog Brutus, the founders discovered that adding broth to his meals made them more flavorful, easier to digest, and packed with extra nutrition. What started as a family tradition soon turned into a mission to bring the same goodness to dogs everywhere. Today, Brutus Broth creates delicious, nutrient-rich broths and recipes designed to support happy, healthy dogs.Get in TouchVisit Brutus Broth’s website: https://brutusbroth.com/Follow Brutus Broth on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutusbrothInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brutusbroth/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brutusbrothInterested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at [email protected]; we would love to learn more about your company! To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.comYou can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected]
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38 MIN
Episode #46: Biomarkers and the New Standards in Clinical Trials
FEB 25, 2026
Episode #46: Biomarkers and the New Standards in Clinical Trials
In this episode, Susanne sits down with Kasia Feng, General Manager at Green Chef, and Kimberley Sukhum, Head of Science at Tiny Health, to uncover how biomarkers are changing the bar for clinical evidence in consumer wellness. From weight and cholesterol markers to microbiome testing, they break down what biomarkers actually measure, when they are worth the added cost and complexity, and how brands can use them to build credibility with shoppers and retailers.What’s covered in this episode:How the question has shifted from "Should we run a clinical study?" to “How strong does it need to be?”A practical look at microbiome testing, what it can reveal, and why function matters more than naming bacteria.How Green Chef approached biomarker selection for healthy weight management and heart health.What to do when a biomarker result is not statistically significant, and why that does not have to hurt trust.Why communication matters as much as study design and how to translate complex data into marketing claims people understand.Tune in to hear how to choose the right biomarkers for your product, design studies that hold up, and turn clinical results into credibility that actually lands with customers! About Kasia Kasia Feng is a strategic operator and people-focused leader with experience spanning operations, general management, and culture building. She is currently the General Manager of Green Chef, where she led cross-functional teams and helped scale the brand while keeping customer experience and execution front and center.Her background includes work in finance and consulting, along with an MBA from NYU. Across her career, she has focused on building systems and teams that work better for both the business and the people behind it, blending clear strategy with thoughtful leadership.About KimberleyAs Head of Science at Tiny Health, Kimberley connects research with business strategy, helping scale Tiny Health from early research through clinical validation and publication. She leads a multidisciplinary team focused on shaping how microbiome science is understood and applied to support lifelong health, beginning in infancy.Kimberley works at the intersection of science, leadership, and innovation, turning discovery into real-world impact. With a PhD in microbiology and genomics from Washington University in St. Louis, Kimberley is driven by a broader goal: bringing thoughtful, rigorous science into the lives of everyday people.Get in TouchInterested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at [email protected]; we would love to learn more about your company! To learn more about Citruslabs, visit us at citruslabs.comYou can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected]
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54 MIN
Episode #45: From Big Pharma to Microbiome Innovation with Bindu Shah from Biocodex
FEB 11, 2026
Episode #45: From Big Pharma to Microbiome Innovation with Bindu Shah from Biocodex
In this episode, Susanne sits down with Bindu Shah, Chief Marketing Officer at Biocodex, to talk about what it takes to grow a science-first probiotic brand. Drawing on her experience across Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, GSK, and Haleon, Bindu shares what shifted when she moved from global consumer giants to a family-owned French pharmaceutical company, and how that change has shaped Biocodex’s next chapter.What’s covered in this episode:Bindu’s journey through iconic consumer health brands and what those experiences taught her about building trust.What really changes when you move from a public company environment to a family-owned, science-led business.How Biocodex is refreshing Florastor and expanding beyond traditional probiotic use cases.The growing gut-vaginal connection and what it means for the future of women’s microbiome care.New microbiome areas to watch, from oral health and satiety to gut-mood support.Bindu’s personal wellness routine, including the supplements and habits she relies on daily.Tune in to hear how Biocodex is translating microbiome science into real-world benefits, and why the next wave of women’s health innovation is just getting started! About BiocodexBiocodex is an international pharmaceutical company founded in 1953, with a mission to improve the health and well-being of women, men, and children worldwide. The company focuses on three core areas of expertise: microbiota care, women’s health, and orphan diseases.As a pioneer in probiotics and intimate health solutions, Biocodex is committed to delivering innovative products while advancing scientific research for the benefit of patients everywhere. Guided by a responsible and sustainable approach, their teams work closely with healthcare professionals and partners to meet evolving health needs across every stage of life.Get in TouchVisit Biocodex’s website: https://www.biocodex.com/en/Follow Bindu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bindu-shah-8077b06/Follow Biocodex on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biocodex/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biocodexgroup Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we would love to learn more about your company! To learn more about Citruslabs visit us at citruslabs.comYou can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected]
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45 MIN
 Episode #44: Cracking the Code of Functional Foods with Marc from Supergut
JAN 28, 2026
Episode #44: Cracking the Code of Functional Foods with Marc from Supergut
About a year ago, Susanne sat down with Marc Washington, former CEO and now Founder Emeritus of Supergut, for a thoughtful conversation on how science and personal experience helped shape one of the most talked-about brands in gut health. Marc shares the story behind building Supergut, what he learned along the way about the gut microbiome and metabolism, and how the brand approached clinical studies to stand out as conversations around weight loss and metabolic health began to shift.Get ready for a fascinating blend of research-backed solutions, entrepreneurial grit, and practical advice on taking control of your health: one delicious shake or bar at a time!What’s covered in this episode:The personal inspiration behind Supergut and its commitment to truly functional foods.Why gut health matters for metabolism, appetite control, and overall wellness.Their landmark study design included three arms, CGMs, and multiple biomarkers.Key clinical results showing improvements in blood sugar (HbA1c), weight, and quality of life.How the “Ozempic era” is driving consumer demand for proven, natural alternatives.Expanding into retail and making gut-friendly nutrition more accessible.Future possibilities for partnering with the healthcare industry and beyond.Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how Supergut is bridging the gap between delicious food and cutting-edge science for better health!About SupergutSupergut is on a mission to help everyone feel their best through convenient, great-tasting foods that are scientifically formulated to support a balanced gut microbiome. Founded by Marc Washington in memory of his sister Monica, Supergut is proudly Black-founded, family-inspired, and grounded in rigorous scientific research. With a commitment to being the most evidence-based and transformative nutrition company, Supergut empowers individuals to reclaim and sustain control of their bodies, so you can truly trust your gut with them.Get in TouchVisit Supergut’s website: https://supergut.com/Follow Supergut on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supergutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Supergut/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@supergut_Interested in a clinical trial for your health or wellness brand? Shoot us an email at [email protected], we would love to learn more about your company! To learn more about Citruslabs visit us at citruslabs.comYou can also send us your feedback and questions. Email us at [email protected].
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33 MIN