Supporting GLP-1, naturally

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist drugs have taken the world by storm by offering people a pharmaceutical solution to obesity. The increased usage of these drugs presents numerous opportunities for functional food and nutraceutical manufacturers to offer adjunct products that help deal with potential symptoms of GLP-1 drug use. Of course, the potential of these symptoms also turns some consumers off.

“In the U.S. alone, an estimated 25-30 million adults have tried these medications, and the number continues to grow.¹ However, as more people experience and learn about potential side effects like nausea, digestive discomfort,² or even the now-infamous ‘Ozempic face’ (skin gauntness linked to rapid weight loss),³ many healthy consumers are considering offerings that feel more natural and sustainable,” says Florencia Moreno Torres, global marketing manager, health and nutrition, Rousselot. “This is where supplements step into the spotlight, offering solutions that can support metabolic wellness, appetite regulation, and glucose balance without the prescription route.”

Nutraceuticals that support healthy blood sugar management are not new to the market, but what is new, or at least newly recognized by consumers, is the concept of GLP-1 secretion. As such, a number of products have come to market, touting research that demonstrates how these natural compounds can support GLP-1 secretion. It’s therefore important to understand the crucial differences between these natural compounds and the class of drugs that echo the term GLP-1.

“GLP-1 is a natural hormone our bodies produce. It’s part of a group of incretin hormones that help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release after we eat.¹ In other words, GLP-1 plays a key role in the body’s normal metabolic response to food,” explains Torres. “For consumers, it’s important to understand the distinction between the different mechanisms of action of drugs compared to dietary supplements. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking this hormone.”

“The incretin system includes three key gut hormones — GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide), GLP-1, and PYY (peptide tyrosine tyrosine). These hormones link how we digest carbohydrates for regulating insulin, appetite, and blood sugar,” adds Denisse Colindres, senior manager for nutrition communication, Americas, Beneo (Parsippany, NJ). “GLP-1 and GIP stimulate insulin and balance glucagon after eating, while PYY, released from the same L-cells as GLP-1 in the lower small intestine, signals satiety and helps fine-tune glucose metabolism.”

At the end of the day, as drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists are meant for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, while supplements are meant to offer support to healthy populations. And while supplement users may be considered healthy, they could still use an assist on blood sugar management.

“Research shows that even healthy individuals frequently experience excessive glucose fluctuations after standard meals,”⁴ says Torres. “These spikes can lead to energy crashes,^{5, 6} mood swings,⁷ and an endless cycle of cravings^8,9,10,11—a pattern we can describe as the ‘glucose rollercoaster.’ This underlines the relevance of managing post-meal glucose responses for everyone, not just those with metabolic conditions. Dietary supplements represent a gentler, more natural way to balance glucose levels and ride the metabolic rollercoaster – supporting everyday wellness rather than substituting medical treatment.”

And while much of the buzz around GLP-1 drugs is the weight loss benefits, healthy blood sugar and weight is connected and inform one another. “When blood-sugar spikes quickly, insulin rises to store excess glucose — and chronically high insulin favors fat retention,” explains Colindres. “GLP-1 is the body’s counterbalance: it moderates glucose entry, slows gastric emptying, and improves insulin efficiency.”

Emerging Solutions

CollagenPeptides

While collagen peptides are more well known for their joint and skin health benefits, a new collagen peptide composition from Rousselot, called Nextida GC, which can support healthy blood sugar via the promotion of GLP-1. “Differently from other blood sugar-supporting ingredients such as berberine¹²or cinnamon¹³ — which have been studied primarily for their effects on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control – Nextida GC is designed to naturally stimulate the body’s own incretin hormone pathways, specifically GLP-1 and GIP, which play key roles in the body’s post-meal metabolic response,” explains Torres.

For example, one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical study found that Nextida GC reduced post-meal glucose spikes by 43% while promoting the secretion of GLP-1 and GIP hormones.¹⁴ “The findings also suggested that taking Nextida GC before a meal can help prime the body’s metabolic response, leading to a more efficient release of insulin,” says Torres. “This allows the body to manage the incoming glucose load more effectively – flattening the post-meal glucose curve without requiring excessive insulin production.”

The ingredient has an effective dose of 5-10 grams, and can be used in numerous formats such as powders, ready-to-drink beverages, shots, and gel-based supplements.

Carbohydrates

Sugar is the prime culprit of poor metabolic health, therefore finding alternatives to sugar can be an important way to support healthy blood sugar in consumers. One slow release carbohydrate derived from sugar beet, called Palatinose (isomaltulose), from Beneo, may be a good solution, since its unique α-1,6 glycosidic bond allows it to break down more slowly, resulting in a steadier blood-glucose rise, and milder insulin response. A recent study¹⁵ found that in adults with metabolic syndrome, those who consumed a drink with the isomaltulose ingredient experienced a lower blood glucose response, with a significantly lower blood glucose peak, compared to sucrose. Researchers also observed that consumption coincided with the release of GLP-1 and PYY gut hormones.

“In the gut, this gradual digestion reaches the lower small intestine, where nutrient-sensing L-cells release GLP-1 and PYY— two hormones that promote satiety and stable glucose control,” explains Colindres. “For consumers, this translates into longer-lasting energy, fewer sugar crashes, and support for metabolic balance across meals. For consumers looking to maintain or lower their weight, this can result in positive changes in body composition - less fat storage and improved body weight.”

Colindres says that the ingredient can also be beneficial for people taking GLP-1 drugs, and potentially enhance their benefits. Because Palatinose is half as sweet as sugar, low-glycemic, and supports fat oxidation, the ingredient fits the taste and metabolic needs of both those using GLP-1 drug and those just seeking to control their weight. Colindres explains that people taking GLP-1s prefer flavors that are less sweet, while the rounded, sugar-like flavor of the ingredient allows it to work well with high intensity sweeteners, smoothing out their profile and masking unwanted off-notes.

Citrus Flavonoids

Another type of nutraceutical ingredient that may support GLP-1 secretion and blood sugar are lemon-derived citrus flavonoids such as Eriomin from Ingredients by Nature (Montclair, CA). The ingredient was found in a 2022 study to significantly decrease blood glucose (−5%), insulin resistance (−11%), glucagon (−13%), interleukin-6 (−14%), tumor necrosis factor alpha (−20%), alkaline phosphatase (−13%), and increase GLP-1 by (17%).¹⁶

A more recent study¹⁷ from 2025 found that the ingredient may be a beneficial adjunct to metformin, a treatment for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, used to lower fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and HbA1c. In the 12-week study, participants taking metformin and 250 mg per day of the citrus flavonoid supplement saw a 5% reduction in glucose following a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test and preservation of active GLP-1 levels, in contrast to participants taking metformin plus placebo, who experienced a decline in GLP-1 and increased insulin resistance.

Looking Ahead

“Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have quickly gone from diabetes treatments to cultural talking points,” says Torres. “They’ve not only reshaped the conversation around weight and metabolism, but also sparked new interest in how everyday people think about managing these aspects of their health. And that shift is having a ripple effect in the dietary supplement world.”

The conversation around GLP-1 drugs has the opportunity to cast light on the naturally-occurring GLP-1 in our bodies, in addition to other hormones that promote healthy blood sugar and help control weight. It also provides a novel target for supporting metabolic health, beyond blood sugar, which still remains important.

“In 2022, over a third of surveyed consumers said they wanted to improve their blood sugar levels through supplements, and online interest has only accelerated since then,” says Torres, citing data from FMCG Gurus and Google. “In fact, organic searches of the term ‘glucose spikes’ have more than tripled between 2023 and 2025, telling us that the fascination with GLP-1s isn’t just about losing weight – it’s also about maintaining healthy blood sugar and metabolic balance. So, while weight management may have opened the door to the GLP-1 conversation, the broader opportunity for the supplement industry lies in supporting holistic metabolic well-being.”

References

1. Anti-obesity medications-Will the food industry be the biggest loser? Rabobank. 2024. https://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/Talking-Points-December-2024.pdf (Accessed 2025-10-24).
2. Collins L.; Costello R.A. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. StatPearls. 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/ (Accessed 2025-10-24).
3. ‘Ozempic Face’: What It Is and How To Avoid It. Cleveland Clinic. March 5, 2025.https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-face (Accessed 2025-10-14).
4. Hall, H.; Perelman, D.; Breschi, A.; Limcaoco, P.; Kellogg, R.; McLaughlin, T.; Snyder, M. Glucotypes reveal new patterns of glucose dysregulation. PLOS Biology. 2018, 16(7). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005143
5. Lowden, A.; Holmbäck, U.; Åkerstedt, T.; Forslund, J.; Lennernäs, M.; Forsund, A. Performance and sleepiness during a 24 h wake in constant conditions are affected by diet. Biological Psychology. 2004, 65 (3), 251-263. DOI: 10.1016/S0301-0511(03)00114-5
6. Breymeyer, K.L.; Lampe, J.W.; McGregor, B.A.; Neuhouser, M.L. Subjective mood and energy levels of healthy weight and overweight/obese healthy adults on high-and low-glycemic load experimental diets. Appetite. 2016, 107, 253-259. DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.08.008
7. Jarvis. P.R.E.; Cardin, J.L.; Nisevich-Bede, P.M.; McCarter, J.P. Continuous glucose monitoring in a healthy population: understanding the post-prandial glycemic response in individuals without diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2023, 146, 155640. DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155640
8. Blaak, E.E.; Antoine, J.M.; Benton, D; I Björck, I.; Bozzetto, L.; Brouns, F.; Diamant, M.; Dye, L. et al. Impact of postprandial glycaemia on health and prevention of disease. Obesity Reviews. 2012, 13 (1), 923-984. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01011.x
9. Ball, S.D.; Keller, K.R.; Moyer-Mileur, L.J.; Ding, Y.W.; Donaldson, D.; Jackson, W.D. Prolongation of Satiety After Low Versus Moderately High Glycemic Index Meals in Obese Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2003, 111 (3): 488–494. DOI: 10.1542/peds.111.3.488.
10. Ludwig, D.S.; Majzoub, J.A.; Al-Zahrini, A.; Dallal, G.E.; Blanco, I.; Roberts, S.B. High Glycemic Index Foods, Overeating, and Obesity. Pediatrics. 1991, 103 (3). DOI: 10.1542/peds.103.3.e26
11. Brand-Miller, J.C.; Holt, S.H.A.; Pawlak, D.B.; McMillan, J. Glycemic index and obesity. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002, 76 (1), 281S-285S. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/76.1.281S
12. Liang, Y.; Xu, X.; Yin, M.; Zhang, Y.; Huang, L.; Chen, R.; Ni, J. Effects of berberine on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Endocr J. 2019, 66 (1), 51-63. DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ18-0109
13. Allen, R.W.; Schwatrman, E.; Baeker, W.L.; Coleman, C.I.; Phung, O.J. Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Fam Med. 2013, 11 (5), 452-9. DOI: 10.1370/afm.1517.
14. Grasset, et al. A Specific Collagen Hydrolysate Improves Postprandial Glucose Tolerance in Normoglycemic and Prediabetic Mice and in a First Proof of Concept Study in Healthy, Normoglycemic and Prediabetic Humans. Food Sci Nutr. 2024, 12: 9607-9620. DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4538
15. Zhang, J.; Sonneburg, D.; Kabisch, S.; Theis, S.; Kemper, M.; Pivovarova-Ramich, O.; Trico, D.; Rohn, S.; Pfeiffer, A.F.H. Gut Hormones and Postprandial Metabolic Effects of Isomaltulose vs. Saccharose Consumption in People with Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients. 2025, 17 (15), 2539. DOI: 10.3390/nu17152539
16. Cesar, T.B.; Ramos, F.M.M.; Ribeiro, C.B. Nutraceutical Eriocitrin (Eriomin) reduces hyperglycemia by increasing glucagon-like peptide 1 and downregulates systemic inflammation: A crossover-randomized clinical trial. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2022, 25 (11). DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0181
17. Cesar, R.; Oliveia, M.R.; Sandrim, V.; Mendes, A.; Bruder, R.; Oliveria,R.; Sivieri, K.; Milenkovic, D. Citrus flavonoid supplement enhances glycemic and metabolic control in prediabetic patients on metformin: a randomized controlled trial. Front. Nutr. 2025, 12,1639901. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1639901