31 CHEMICALS KNOWLEDGE HUB Issue 1 / July 2025 ROUSSELOT excessively high blood glucose spikes can lead to a range of health problems8. In addition, there is a significant relationship between improving oral glucose tolerance and effective weight management. The relationship lies in the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels effectively, which directly impacts hunger and satiety9, 10, 11, 12. Why collagen for metabolic support Rousselot, a long-established name in the collagen peptides industry, recognized an opportunity to explore new benefits of collagen beyond its traditional associations with joint13, hair14 and skin support15, and look towards supporting metabolic health instead. As part of its research, Rousselot investigated whether collagen peptides could influence hormones involved in glucose regulation— particularly GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 plays a central role in the body’s post-meal response. It’s released in the gut when food is consumed, helping to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and signal fullness to the brain16. These actions together help moderate the rise in blood sugar after meals and regulate appetite. Pharmaceuticals that mimic GLP-1’s effects have gained public attention in recent years for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss. However, they are intended for specific medical use and may not be appropriate for healthy individuals seeking natural solutions. But with Rousselot’s research, a different approach was identified, that could support the body’s natural GLP-1 response. Creating Nextida GC: a targeted collagen innovation To explore this concept, Rousselot scientists began developing a range of specific collagen peptide compositions designed to target different health functions. Through this research, the company established the Nextida platform, a collection of specialized peptides with distinct biological activities. One formulation from this platform stood out for its potential to enhance GLP-1 secretion: Nextida GC. This composition was selected from a library of 17 peptide candidates based on in vitro screening in cell lines, where researchers examined its ability to stimulate GLP-1 production. Nextida GC represents a new type of collagen peptide ingredient, specifically formulated to interact with metabolic pathways, GLP-1 release, and support blood sugar balance naturally. To test the effects of Nextida GC in a realworld context, Rousselot conducted a clinical study involving healthy adults, including both normoglycemic individuals and those with prediabetes17. The trial used a rigorous design, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover to assess the ingredient’s impact on GLP-1 levels, glucose response and insulin regulation. The study found that participants who consumed 10g of Nextida GC showed a significant increase in natural GLP-1 secretion. Interestingly, among those with prediabetes, even the lower 5g dose produced a significant improvement. These results suggest that this specific collagen peptide composition can help stimulate the body’s own hormonal mechanisms involved in post-meal glucose control. Beyond hormone levels, the study also observed a notable
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