Max Marchione’s Health Journey
Even though he was active, Max Marchione faced a range of serious health problems. A lifelong runner and soccer player, he seemed like he should be in great shape. Yet, he struggled to stay awake during the day and often had trouble sleeping at night.
He also experienced intense migraines, which made things even tougher. For ten long years, this tech entrepreneur consulted countless doctors searching for answers. But each one simply suggested he maintain a healthy diet and exercise—two things he was already committed to.
After insisting on further testing, Marchione finally received clarity three years ago. He learned he had prediabetes, a condition affecting around 100 million Americans, many of whom are unaware of their status. If ignored, this could lead to diabetes, heart issues, nerve damage, and kidney failure.
Now 25, Marchione remarked, “It was really easy for doctors to overlook without more comprehensive testing. The healthcare system failed me.” Frustrated with the lengthy diagnosis process, he co-founded a healthcare startup called Superpower in 2022. This venture analyzes numerous blood biomarkers, including cholesterol, heavy metals, cortisol, and sex hormones.
Further tests in 2024 revealed alarming health risks. Marchione discovered he had elevated levels of mercury and BPA—toxins found in many products—higher than 99 percent of the U.S. population. Doctors suggested he may have been unknowingly exposed since he was 12.
Residing in San Francisco but originally from Australia, Marchione expressed his intention to take charge of his health. “There’s a substantial gap between top-tier care and what the average person can access. How can we bridge that gap? Everyone deserves access to the best care,” he stated.
Superpower recommended that he take 400 milligrams of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This essential vitamin plays a role in converting carbohydrates into energy and supports healthy nerve functions. Since the body can’t produce it, thiamine must be obtained from food sources like pork, nuts, eggs, trout, black beans, whole grains, kale, and cauliflower.
A deficiency in thiamine can result in severe nervous and cardiovascular issues, including confusion, memory loss, and balance problems. While the average American needs only 1 to 1.5 milligrams daily, studies suggest that supplementing with 100 to 300 milligrams may help regulate prediabetes.
Research indicated that participants taking 300 milligrams of thiamine for six weeks had 11 percent lower glucose levels compared to those who didn’t supplement. Marchione claims that with his daily intake of 400 milligrams, his prediabetes reversed in just three months. Dr. Erika Schwartz, a preventative health expert, mentioned that while this dosage is high, it’s generally considered safe since excess amounts are expelled through urine.
Thanks to the supplements, Marchione now enjoys carb-laden foods without the adverse symptoms he used to experience. “When I ate carbs, I didn’t see any negative effects. But if I skipped the vitamin B1, I’d feel brain fog and bloating,” he said.
Dr. Schwartz emphasized that vitamin B1 should complement a healthy, whole-food diet, balanced hormones, and regular exercise, as these lifestyle factors largely drive insulin sensitivity. “Thiamine can aid the process—think of it like enhancing your body’s toolkit—but it alone can’t fix poor habits,” she clarified.
Superpower also advised Marchione to eliminate canned foods from his diet to reduce toxin levels. This required avoiding items like soups, fish, and certain cheeses, opting instead for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
BPA, an industrial chemical prevalent in food packaging, has been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, potentially contributing to various health issues such as early puberty and certain cancers. Mercury, found in certain fish, poses severe risks as well, attacking the nervous system without a safe exposure level.
The Environmental Working Group estimates that around 16,000 foods in America contain BPA in their packaging, while nearly all fish and shellfish carry traces of mercury. Marchione noted that high mercury levels can lead to headaches and insomnia, which matched his own health struggles.
After about six months to a year of consistent lifestyle changes, Marchione reduced his toxin levels to a normal range, eliminating debilitating symptoms and prediabetes. Since his recovery, he claims he “never gets sick” and is now focused on expanding Superpower, which has a waitlist of 200,000 individuals, hoping to make comprehensive biomarker testing more accessible.
Marchione explained, “Cancer at 50 begins at 20. Heart disease at 70 starts at 20. Dementia at 80? Same thing. Testing early makes sense.” He believes that health testing should be a fundamental right and should be as affordable as possible.
