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Mark J. Smith, Ph.D.

Chief Science Officer

Dr. Smith obtained a bachelor’s degree in PE & Sports Science and a teaching certificate in PE & Mathematics from Loughborough University, England. He completed both his master’s degree (Exercise and Sport Science) and his doctorate (Physiology) at Colorado State University. He has worked with Dr. Cordain, the founder of the modern Paleo diet movement, since 1988. Dr. Smith is also a leading expert on supra-maximal interval training. He has maintained his own health and conditioning practice at The Sports Club at Mission Hills CC in Rancho Mirage, CA since 2006.

Articles by Mark J. Smith, Ph.D.

Longevity Health Benefits of Mushrooms
The Paleo Diet®
Mushrooms provide several longevity health benefits, especially in reducing cancer risk.
Why Do We Age?
The Paleo Diet®
Why do we age? "Paleo for Life," a book by Dr. Loren Cordain, Trevor Connor, and Dr. Mark J. Smith offers 5 key factors that cause aging.
Introducing Paleo for Life
The Paleo Diet®
Paleo for Life reveals the longevity superfoods that can help you live longer and better, starting today. See the book's introduction.
Steve’s Paleo for Life Story: Losing Weight and Lowering Cholesterol
The Paleo Diet®
In this story from Paleo for Life, we hear from Steve, who lost weight and improved his cholesterol by switching from the Mediterranean Diet to The Paleo Diet.
Ines’ Paleo for Life Story: Leaving the Mediterranean Diet for Better Energy
The Paleo Diet®
In this story from Paleo for Life, we hear from Ines, who enjoys better sleep and energy after leaving the Mediterranean diet.
Fermentation, Vitamin K Foods, and Vitamin K2
The Paleo Diet®
Vitamin K foods and vitamin K2 are essential longevity vitamins found only in fermented foods or in animals that eat them.
Lynda’s Paleo for Life Story: “My Healthiest Weight in 54 Years.”
The Paleo Diet®
In this story from Paleo for Life, we hear from Lynda, who lost 157 pounds while enjoying The Paleo Diet.
Chocolate for Healthier Hearts and Minds
The Paleo Diet®
Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is a longevity superfood. Of course it’s delicious, but it’s also packed with healthy compounds that are associated with healthier aging.
Four Key Longevity Vitamins
The Paleo Diet®
What we call "vitamins" are short-term survival vitamins. There's a whole other group of vitamins we need for longevity.
Fact Checking the Data Behind Blue Zones
Loren Cordain, Ph.D. & Mark J. Smith, Ph.D.
Blue Zone regions and diets are based on data from people who make it to 100 years of age, but these aren’t the oldest populations in the world.
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture with The Paleo Diet®
Mark J. Smith, Ph.D.
Learn about regenerative agriculture and how a Paleo diet can support these sustainable agricultural practices.
Topical Vitamin C Benefits for Skin Health
Mark J. Smith, Ph.D.
Vitamin C creams and serums claim benefits for skin health like reducing wrinkles and skin discoloration. How does vitamin C help skin?
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