24 CHEMICALS KNOWLEDGE HUB Issue 1 / July 2025 Interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has never been higher with these medications hailed for their appetitesuppressing effects and subsequent weight loss in users. This year’s Vitafoods Europe has given a unique insight into the efforts made by the nutraceutical industry to adapt and innovate in response to the surge in popularity and increased awareness about metabolic health. “As GLP-1 agonists continue to revolutionize weight management and metabolic health, this category is also generating new opportunities in the supplement space,” said Stratum Nutrition, a US-based ingredients supplier, who were at Vitafoods showcasing products that support the needs of GLP-1 users. “Since the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists can be tempered by common side effects and metabolic challenges, this creates a timely opening for finished product formulators to develop targeted products that complement these therapies and improve the users’ experience.” GLP-1’s significance GLP-1 is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic this hormone, enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. The effectiveness of these drugs in weight management has led to increased consumer awareness and interest in GLP-1 pathways. Industry response Amid the surge in popularity of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, the nutraceutical industry is looking to carve out a complementary role, offering products that nutritionally support consumers on these therapies or those seeking natural alternatives. By focusing on ingredients that may stimulate endogenous GLP-1 release or improve satiety, blood sugar control, and gut health, supplements can help reinforce the lifestyle changes often recommended alongside GLP-1 treatments. Spotlight on key ingredients This mindset was evident at this year’s Vitafoods, where ingredient suppliers positioned their offerings as natural, scientifically-validated complements to pharmaceutical interventions, while tapping into an expanding market focused on weight management and glucose control. Among the standout players was Rousselot and its newly launched Nextida platform of specific collagen peptide compositions. It’s Nextida GC is a formulation developed to support glucose control by naturally stimulating GLP-1 secretion. METABOLIC HEALTH
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