Consumer interest in glucose control and GLP-1 supplements is surging, fueling a global boom in metabolic health solutions. Newly developed collagen peptide compositions are enabling supplement manufacturers to engage with this trend using recognisable, evidence-backed ingredients. As demand grows for natural, accessible approaches to blood sugar management, these innovations signal a new era for glucose control solutions with broad appeal and real potential.
Over the past decade, interest in solutions that can support glucose regulation has expanded well beyond clinical settings. Online media mentions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) have increased by an impressive 225% between 2023 and 2024[1], indicating that the topic of GLP-1 has moved into more mainstream conversations and media.
GLP-1 is naturally released in the gut when food is consumed, helping to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and signal fullness to the brain.[2] Together, these actions help moderate the rise in blood sugar after meals and regulate appetite. While pharmaceutical options exist that mimic GLP-1’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss, these are developed for specific medical indications. Therefore, they may not always be appropriate for otherwise healthy individuals.
Beyond balancing glucose levels by triggering insulin release[3], GLP-1 touches on several areas that are top of mind for today’s consumers, including weight management and overall wellbeing. Not surprisingly perhaps, supplement manufacturers are taking note of the growing consumer interest, turning their R&D towards developing products that can support the body’s natural GLP-1 response.
Innovating with specific collagen peptides: a novel approach to glucose control and GLP-1 support
Consumer interest in glucose control and GLP-1 supplements is surging, fueling a global boom in metabolic health solutions. Newly developed collagen peptide compositions are enabling supplement manufacturers to engage with this trend using recognisable, evidence-backed ingredients. As demand grows for natural, accessible approaches to blood sugar management, these innovations signal a new era for glucose control solutions with broad appeal and real potential.
Over the past decade, interest in solutions that can support glucose regulation has expanded well beyond clinical settings. Online media mentions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) have increased by an impressive 225% between 2023 and 2024[1], indicating that the topic of GLP-1 has moved into more mainstream conversations and media.
GLP-1 is naturally released in the gut when food is consumed, helping to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and signal fullness to the brain.[2] Together, these actions help moderate the rise in blood sugar after meals and regulate appetite. While pharmaceutical options exist that mimic GLP-1’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss, these are developed for specific medical indications. Therefore, they may not always be appropriate for otherwise healthy individuals.
Beyond balancing glucose levels by triggering insulin release[3], GLP-1 touches on several areas that are top of mind for today’s consumers, including weight management and overall wellbeing. Not surprisingly perhaps, supplement manufacturers are taking note of the growing consumer interest, turning their R&D towards developing products that can support the body’s natural GLP-1 response.
As with all health and wellbeing products, it’s of the utmost importance that supplement innovators in this fast-moving health area prioritise solid science and high-quality ingredients to ensure such products are reliable and can deliver the benefits consumers are looking for. This is where specific collagen peptide compositions can make a difference. Going beyond beauty and mobility benefits, specific collagen peptides can offer evidence-backed ingredients that speak to consumer demands for natural and recognisable solutions.
Specific collagen peptides’ GLP-1 supporting potential
Nextida®GC is the first ingredient commercialised from Rousselot’s Nextida® platform, a range of specific collagen peptide compositions designed to deliver targeted health benefits and support the body’s natural balance. Nextida GC has been shown in preclinical and clinical studies to increase GLP-1 secretion and reduce postprandial glucose levels when taken before a meal.
One of these trials[4] involved healthy adults, including both normoglycemic individuals and those with prediabetes, and used a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to test Nextida GC’s impact on GLP-1 levels, glucose response, and insulin regulation. The results showed that participants who consumed 10g of Nextida GC saw a significant increase in natural GLP-1 secretion. Among those with prediabetes, even the lower 5g dose produced a significant improvement. These findings suggest that this specific collagen peptide composition can help stimulate the body’s own hormonal mechanisms involved in post-meal glucose control.
So why are balanced glucose levels so important for an individual’s health and wellbeing? Every day meals can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels. These post-meal spikes are often followed by crashes, leading to a pattern commonly called the “glucose rollercoaster,” which is associated with fatigue and increased sugar cravings.[5] Research shows that even healthy people can experience significant increases in blood sugar levels after meals. In one study, up to 80% of participants experienced excessive glucose spikes after consuming cornflakes and milk[6] – a relatively common breakfast among many adults and children.
Although these blood glucose levels spikes are usually temporary, frequent occurrences may contribute to long-term metabolic stress. Healthy individuals’ day-to-day lives can also be affected by these spikes since they can influence mood, hunger, and sleep quality due to energy fluctuations.[7] If not well managed, raised blood glucose levels are a common risk factor for long-term conditions such as diabetes.
Managing glucose spikes may help reduce energy dips and support more stable energy levels. Research has indicated that there is also a strong link between improved oral glucose tolerance and effective weight management, driven by the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels, which directly influences hunger and satiety.[8] [9] [10] [11]
“Nextida GC offers a unique approach in the nutraceutical space to help brands address the evolving metabolic health market, the natural way,” explains Florencia Moreno Torres, Global Marketing Manager at Rousselot. “Research on Nextida GC highlights the power of targeted collagen peptides to deliver measurable metabolic benefits.”
Innovating with the right ingredients and formulation expertise
What makes Nextida GC particularly suitable to support innovative solutions in this growing space is its versatility. All Rousselot’s collagen peptides, including Nextida GC, have been developed for and tested in individuals of different ages, ethnicities and life stages across the world. Like Rousselot’s other premium collagen peptides, Nextida GC is available as a powder with neutral flavour and aroma. It dissolves easily in liquids and remains stable across a wide pH range, enabling incorporation into a variety of convenient formats, including beverage powders, RTD shots, and even cookies – giving formulators ample opportunity to develop solutions that align with consumers’ needs and preferences.
Beyond innovative solutions for glucose control and an extensive collagen portfolio for holistic health, Rousselot offers proprietary gelatin solutions to help foster innovation and performance in functional gummies, softgels, and hard capsules.
“Convenience and credible scientific validation are key for consumers taking a proactive approach to managing their health and glucose levels,” says Florencia Moreno Torres. “By innovating with Rousselot’s portfolio of collagen peptides, supplement manufacturers gain access to high-quality ingredients and formulation expertise to succeed in this fast-evolving market. With new science supporting our ingredient’s potential for post-meal glucose metabolism in healthy individuals, Rousselt is continuing our commitment to offering the health and wellness industry evidence-based solutions that expand what we know about collagen.”
[1] Meltwater – Keyword “GLP-1” – 2023 vs. 2024
[2] Seino, Y., M. Fukushima, and D. Yabe, GIP and GLP-1, the two incretin hormones: Similarities and differences. J Diabetes Investig, 2010. 1(1-2): p. 8-23. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2040 1124.2010.00022.x
[3] Ibid.
[4] Grasset, E., et al. (2024) 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, 12: 9607-9620. https:// doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4538
[5] Hall et al. (2018) Glucotypes reveal new patterns of glucose dysregulation. PLOS Biology 16(7): e2005143. https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pbio.2005143
[6] Ibid.
[7] Gangwisch et al., (2020) High glycemic index and glycemic load diets as risk factors for insomnia: analyses from the Women’s Health Initiative, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 111, Issue 2, Pages 429-439, ISSN 0002-9165, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/ nqz275.
[8] Blaak et al., (2012) Impact of postprandial glycaemia on health and prevention of disease. Obesity Reviews, 13: 923-984. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01011.x
[9] Shauna at al (2003) Prolongation of Satiety After Low Versus Moderately High Glycemic Index Meals in Obese Adolescents. Pediatrics; 111 (3): 488–494. 1https://doi.org/10.1542/ peds.111.3.488
[10] Ludwig et al., (1999) High Glycemic Index Foods, Overeating, and Obesity. Pediatrics; 103 (3): e26. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.103.3.e26
[11] Brand-Miller et al., (2002) Glycemic index and obesity, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 76, Issue 1, Pages 281S-285S, ISSN 0002-9165, https://doi.org/10.1093/ ajcn/76.1.281S
