From the Guidelines
None of the supplements have been proven to mimic the effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as effectively as pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or liraglutide, which have been shown to significantly reduce weight and improve weight-related comorbidities 1. When considering supplements that may have some effects similar to GLP-1, several options have been studied, although their efficacy is much lower compared to prescription medications.
- Berberine, typically taken at 500mg 2-3 times daily with meals, may help regulate blood glucose and promote modest weight loss by activating AMPK pathways similar to metformin.
- Cinnamon extract (1-6g daily) may improve insulin sensitivity and help with blood sugar control.
- Apple cider vinegar (1-2 tablespoons diluted in water before meals) might slightly improve insulin response.
- Fiber supplements like psyllium husk (5-10g daily with plenty of water) can slow gastric emptying and improve satiety, mimicking one mechanism of GLP-1 drugs.
- Bitter melon extract (500-1000mg daily) contains compounds that may help lower blood glucose. It's essential to note that these supplements work through different mechanisms than pharmaceutical GLP-1 agonists and produce much milder effects, primarily influencing insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and satiety rather than directly activating GLP-1 receptors 1. Given the potential interactions with medications and blood sugar effects, individuals with diabetes or those on medications should consult healthcare providers before trying these supplements. The most effective approach to mimicking GLP-1 effects, based on the strongest and most recent evidence, involves the use of pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, which has been shown to reduce weight and improve weight-related comorbidities significantly more than liraglutide and is associated with lower rates of gastrointestinal adverse events 1.
From the Research
Supplements that Mimic GLP-1
There are several supplements that have been studied for their potential to mimic the effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Some of these supplements include:
- Berberine, which has been shown to stimulate GLP-1 secretion by alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction 2
- Berberrubine (BBB) and palmatine (PMT), which are metabolites of berberine and have been found to increase GLP-1 production and glucose-stimulated secretion in GLUTag cells 2
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of GLP-1 and are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing insulin secretion, decreasing glucagon release, increasing satiety, and slowing gastric emptying 3. They have been shown to improve blood glucose control, preserve beta-cell function, and induce weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 4.
Safety and Tolerability
GLP-1 receptor agonists have been found to have a generally favorable safety profile, with common adverse effects including gastrointestinal symptoms, injection site reactions, and headache 4, 5. However, there have been concerns raised about the potential risk of pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer 5, although several meta-analyses have failed to confirm a cause-effect relation between GLP-1 receptor agonists and these adverse effects.