“Nature’s Ozempic”: The truth about natural GLP-1 supplements

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are making headlines for their ability to regulate blood glucose and support weight management. But their high cost, months-long waitlists, and potential side effects have many people seeking natural alternatives.

Claiming similar benefits without unwanted downsides, natural GLP-1  alternatives are gaining popularity. From botanical extracts to prebiotic fibers, here’s what the science says about natural GLP-1 boosters.

Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster is a prebiotic fiber mix.

Understanding GLP-1

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is a powerful gut hormone released when eating that’s critical for metabolism, blood sugar control, and weight management. It works in three ways:

1. Triggering insulin release to control blood sugar
2. Reducing hunger signals in your brain
3. Supporting heart health through better blood pressure and cholesterol regulation

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® (also known as semaglutide) have become blockbuster drugs because they act as GLP-1 agonists—meaning they mimic this hormone’s activity in your body. While highly effective for weight loss and insulin resistance, side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and muscle loss.

Still, their effectiveness has sparked interest in over-the-counter alternatives that may boost your body’s natural GLP-1 production. While natural options like botanical extracts, probiotics, and prebiotics may not be as powerful as pharmaceutical GLP-1s, emerging research shows these natural alternatives can deliver some of the benefits without the cost or side effects of prescription medications.

Exploring natural GLP-1 boosters

Three natural approaches have emerged as potential GLP-1 boosters:

1. Prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria
2. Specific probiotic strains
3. Botanical compounds

While dietary supplements are not  FDA-approved, research reveals promising pathways for supporting your body’s natural GLP-1 production.

Prebiotics

A healthy microbiome is crucial for GLP-1 production as this hormone is synthesized in your gut. Prebiotics are a form of fiber that feeds gut bacteria, allowing them to flourish and carry out critical metabolic activities.

Specifically, prebiotic fibers like resistant starch and beta-glucan support the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which stimulate your intestinal cells to release GLP-1.

Product spotlight:

Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster is a prebiotic fiber mix containing resistant starch from green banana powder, beta-glucan from oats, and soluble vegetable fiber. Together, these fibers create a highly effective GLP-1 stimulating response in your gut, naturally supporting the production of this hormone without the harmful side effects of weight loss injections.

More impressively, Supergut’s prebiotic fibers signal your brain to turn down hunger cues, providing a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.

Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster can be mixed into your favorite foods and drinks.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed that in just 12 weeks, Supergut’s prebiotic fiber blend significantly improved blood sugar levels while supporting weight loss, digestion, and metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes.

Probiotics

Targeted probiotics are another option for improving gut health and GLP-1 production.

Akkermansia muciniphila, a probiotic strain, is gaining appeal for positively impacting metabolic function. Specifically, research shows that Akkermansia secretes a protein called P9 that stimulates the production of GLP-1 in the gut.

While compelling, a lack of clinical evidence has left researchers skeptical of Akkermansia’s efficacy, warning that more studies are needed.

Product spotlight:

While several companies currently sell Akkermansia products, Pendulum and Codeage are among the most prominent.

Pendulum includes Akkermansia and a small amount of inulin from chicory root acting as a prebiotic. This product is marketed for general gut health, including GLP-1 production and gut lining integrity.

Codeage, on the other hand, markets itself specifically for GLP-1 production and includes a mix of probiotics (Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis) along with chicory inulin.

Botanicals and polyphenols

Botanicals and polyphenols offer plant-based solutions for GLP-1 production with a more indirect impact on gut health.

Berberine is a popular plant-based polyphenol said to boost GLP-1 production. Some research suggests berberine may support the release of GLP-1 by stimulating bitter receptors in the gut. Other research shows the mechanism may be more closely related to berberines antioxidant activity.

Despite its recent rise, many claims related to berberine’s role in GLP-1 production have not been clinically validated. More worrisome, large doses of berberine may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea.

Besides berberine, other botanicals including citrus fruit extracts, green tea, saffron, and coffee bean extract have been studied for their potential role in GLP-1 production with mixed results.

Product spotlight:

Botanically-derived GLP-1 modulators including Lemme GLP-1 Daily Capsules, Arrae MB-1, and Veracity Metabolism Ignite are also gaining traction.

Lemme GLP-1 Daily is made from a blend of saffron extract, lemon fruit extract, and red orange fruit extract. While Lemme’s ingredients have been studied for GLP-1 production, the product itself has not been clinically validated.

Arrae MB-1 features vitamin B6, chromium, green tea extract, African mango seed, Cissus leaf, grains of paradise, and bifidobacterium lactis B420 — a probiotic studied for its potential impact on GLP-1, but no conclusive research has been conducted.

Veracity Metabolism Ignite includes polyphenols derived from hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts, coffee bean extract, and magnesium. While research supports the use of hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols for GLP-1 production, this product has not undergone clinical trials.

Our pick: Supergut’s Prebiotic GLP-1 Booster

While there are several options for natural GLP-1 agonists, our top pick goes to Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster.

Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster contains no artificial ingredients and is non-GMO.

When comparing natural GLP-1 supplements, clinical validation sets Supergut apart. While other options show promise, the prebiotic fiber blend in Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster stands alone with peer-reviewed research demonstrating its effectiveness. The company’s validated results demonstrate its ability to help control blood glucose levels, assist in healthy weight management, and support overall metabolic wellness.

We also love that Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster contains no artificial ingredients, is non-GMO, and contains 6 grams of prebiotics per serving.

The ease of use is another huge plus—you can add it to coffee, smoothies, your morning oats, and more. When compared to pharmaceuticals, weight loss drugs, and other products on the market, Supergut’s GLP-1 Booster is much more accessible at just $30 for 15 servings.

Always talk with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplement, especially if you’re already taking medications.