Phytoshake – Origins and prospects

The Phytoshake product line represents a new class of functional foods that specifically target preventive and cellular protective mechanisms. It was initiated by Insumed GmbH as the result of several years of scientific research by Robert Erbeldinger and his team, who compiled key findings in nutritional medicine.

The currently available variants, Phytoshake Classic, Phytoshake Berry Deluxe, and Phytoshake Cardiobalance, have been an important part of modern nutritional medicine and integrative prevention since their introduction in 2022.

Development and expansion of the concept

The development of the first Phytoshake Classic was largely inspired by findings from the research of Prof. Mehdi Shakibaei (LMU Munich; example references: DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2005.06.007; DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031695; DOI: 10.1186/ar2850; DOI: 10.3390/ijms13044202; DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.03.014; DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147645; DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M111.256180; DOI: 10.1186/ar4393). For decades, his research group has been a global leader in basic research on the effects of phytogenic nutrients and phytopharmaceuticals, especially secondary plant compounds (phytochemicals), with a focus on inflammation modulation and its preventive benefits. The combination of these key scientific findings and Robert Erbeldinger’s innovative spirit led to the development of Phytoshakes and thus also to the transfer of preclinical results into application-oriented sports medicine, which is referred to as a translational approach in the field of “targeted nutrition.”

After the initial establishment of the Phytoshake concept and due to the growing importance of a natural, polyphenol-rich diet (example references: Epigenetic efficacy of curcumin; Resveratrol), the second Phytoshake variant, Berry Deluxe, was developed. The extended application of Phytohake Berry Deluxe in nutritional dentistry was scientifically supported by Dr. med. dent. Matthias Roßberg (nutritional dentistry & prophylaxis; holistic oral health).

The product line was expanded in 2025 with Phytoshake Cardiobalance, which was developed under cardiological and medical consultation with PD Dr. med. Felix Post (example reference: Oats and heart health). Insumed GmbH is currently developing a fourth Phytoshake product in collaboration with the sportärztezeitung (sports medicine journal). This product is intended to transfer nutritional medicine concepts to sports medicine and muscle regeneration, based on current research and the specific requirements of performance-oriented, preventive supplements.

Modern phytogenic nutrition

The Phytoshake product line promotes a plant-based diet with a special focus on specific “soluble” fiber to support modern phytogenic nutrition with high-quality proteins in the medical context of “targeted nutrition & diet.” This contributes to promoting the topics of “healthy aging” and “healthy diet/eating.” Further information can be found at JAMA Network (example reference: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834202) and PubMed (example reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30638909/).

We are continuously developing our solutions in close collaboration with medical researchers and clinicians to ensure practical application in sports medicine and beyond. Further current work in the context of nutritional medicine and dietary supplements will be continuously integrated below: A recent paper by Dr. med. Christine Wild-Bode (LMU Munich): Collagen and enzymes as well as work that is now gaining relevance from the sportärztezeitung: Phytopharmaceuticals and phytogenic nutrition; Inflammation inhibition & regeneration optimization; Nutrition as therapy.

In addition, please refer to the educational video by Dr. med. Klaus Pöttgen on anti-inflammatory nutrition and proteins in orthopedics and competitive sports: