In this electrifying episode of the Flex Work Studio Podcast, host Ankur Garg welcomes a legend in the nutraceutical industry, Dinesh Venkataswaran, who’s been shaping the way we think about functional ingredients at OmniActive Health Technologies. Dinesh isn’t just a name in the business—he’s the driving force behind some of the most innovative health solutions on the market. OmniActive, with roots stretching back to India’s spice trade of the 1860s, has taken the humble marigold, the fiery red chili pepper, and other botanicals, and turned them into game-changing ingredients like LuteMax 2020 and CapsiMax. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re clinically proven ingredients powering your favorite supplements.
Ankur kicks things off by reminiscing about his early days at Shreds, where CapsiMax became the magic ingredient that helped the brand's fat burners fly off the shelves. Who knew red chili peppers could burn fat (and not your stomach lining)? OmniActive’s patented beadlet technology makes sure of that. Dinesh, meanwhile, shares the nitty-gritty of what makes OmniActive tick: over 50 human clinical trials, science so solid it’s published in peer-reviewed journals, and a commitment to solving consumer needs with real, measurable benefits. If you’ve ever wondered how ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and even valerian root make their way from nature to your supplement bottle, Dinesh breaks it down in a way that’s as engaging as it is educational.
What makes this episode truly stand out is the no-holds-barred conversation about the state of the industry. Dinesh reveals how OmniActive collaborates with farmers, scientists, and manufacturers to create ingredients that deliver real results—whether it’s lutein from marigolds for better eye and brain health, or CapsiMax to help you burn 100 more calories a day. He also teases the launch of CapsiMax Next, a new evolution of the ingredient that’s lighter on your wallet but still heavy on benefits. Meanwhile, Ankur calls out the "lazy" brand owners who skip the hard work of educating themselves, urging them to explore the innovative offerings that could set their products apart in a crowded market.
This episode isn’t just about science—it’s about the business behind it. From navigating the complexities of trademarked ingredients to ensuring brand partners follow the rules (no sprinkling tiny amounts just to slap on a label claim!), Dinesh and Ankur discuss the importance of doing things right. OmniActive has worked with some of the biggest names in the CPG world, but they’re just as passionate about supporting up-and-coming brands with the tools and science to stand out. It’s not just about selling ingredients—it’s about building partnerships, trust, and, let’s be honest, a few epic Christmas parties along the way.
For anyone curious about what goes into their supplements—or how to build a supplement brand that’s as credible as it is profitable—this episode is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom. Whether you’re a brand owner, a consumer looking to understand those fancy-sounding labels, or just someone who wants to know why marigolds are the unsung heroes of eye health, this episode delivers it all with wit, insight, and a touch of spice (literally).
Tune in to learn how OmniActive is setting the standard for science-backed ingredients and why investing in quality always pays off. It’s a masterclass in innovation, with a side of humor and some solid life lessons about what it takes to succeed in nutraceuticals. And, spoiler alert: the key ingredient is a whole lot of passion.

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