Do GLP-1 Supplements Work?
Key takeaways:
- Unlike FDA-approved GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, dietary supplements like Lemme GLP-1 Daily do not require FDA approval or any data to support their marketing claims.
- Limited research shows that some of the ingredients in these dietary supplements may be helpful for weight loss and lowering blood sugar, but more research is needed to understand their safety and effectiveness.
- Combining unregulated dietary supplements with prescription GLP-1 drugs could also pose potential health risks, especially for people with diabetes.
When it comes to managing diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 medications have become a popular option. However, due to high out-of-pocket costs, drug shortages, and the fact that a prescription is needed to obtain these medications, people might be searching for other options. This is where dietary supplements have come into play.
Recently, over-the-counter dietary supplements that don’t require a prescription have hit the market, including Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme GLP-1 Daily, which claims to naturally “boost” GLP-1 levels in the body to reduce hunger and support healthy weight management.
The catch? Dietary supplements do not require FDA approval and don’t require any data or clinical evidence to support their marketing claims. They are not regulated and tested like prescription medications, meaning they may not be effective, could have unknown side effects, or contain hidden (and potentially dangerous) ingredients. Experts also warn that these unregulated supplements could interact with prescription medications and lead to unstable blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
GLP-1 medications vs. supplements
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) are FDA-approved prescription drugs specifically designed to manage type 2 diabetes and/or aid in weight loss. These medications work by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body, which increases insulin production in response to food intake and suppresses glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. GLP-1 drugs also slow down how fast the stomach empties, reduce appetite, and lead to weight loss.
GLP-1 medications are highly regulated – they go through years of clinical trials to collect sufficient data on the drug’s safety and effectiveness before they’re approved for use. This rigorous process involves multiple phases of testing, all designed to identify potential risks and confirm therapeutic benefits. GLP-1 drugs can only be prescribed to people after meeting stringent regulatory standards set by agencies like the FDA.
Dietary supplements, on the other hand, are not required to go through any regulatory process. Over the years, the FDA has issued hundreds of warnings about tainted weight loss products that could lead to serious health problems.
“These products are unregulated, and little to no scientific evidence supports their effectiveness,” said Dr. Pamela Tambini, an internal medicine physician based in Palm Beach, Florida.
For example, Lemme GLP-1 Daily’s website states that the product can “promote your body’s GLP-1 production, reduce hunger and cravings, and support fat reduction with three clinically studied ingredients.” However, their website points to studies in which the ingredients were investigated separately, in less than 200 participants.
“The ingredients in these supplements often lack the necessary potency and mechanisms to replicate the effects of prescription GLP-1 medications – without proper testing, their safety and efficacy are highly questionable,” Tambini added.
To put this in perspective, the FDA approval of Ozempic was based on evidence from seven clinical trials with over 4,000 participants in 33 different countries. There are currently no known clinical studies of Lemme GLP-1 Daily.
Ingredients in GLP-1 supplements
While these supplements may have “GLP-1” in the name, there is no GLP-1 in any of these products, said Dr. Donna Ryan, an obesity medicine specialist at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
For example, the three main ingredients in the Lemme GLP-1 Daily capsules are Superesa saffron extract, Morosil red orange fruit extract, and Eriomin lemon fruit extract. While the website emphasizes that these are “clinically investigated” ingredients shown to increase GLP-1 and help with appetite regulation, none of the studies cited included participants with diabetes. Here’s a closer look at some of the common ingredients found in GLP-1 supplements.
Superesa saffron extract
One study reported that saffron extract reduced weight, appetite, and snacking frequency in a sample of healthy, mildly overweight women. However, this study was done 15 years ago, with only 60 participants. A recent review of saffron extract in people with diabetes found that the supplement did reduce A1C and fasting glucose, but had no significant effect on insulin levels.
Morosil red orange fruit extract
Similarly, a study on “Moro” blood orange extract included 180 healthy people with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35. After six months, both the treatment group and placebo group (who did not receive the supplement) saw significant improvements in their BMI.
Eriomin lemon fruit extract
Several small studies on Eriomin lemon extract found it increased GLP-1 levels in individuals with prediabetes. However, participants were only followed for 12 weeks in both studies; more research is needed to see the long-term effects Eriomin might have for weight loss and blood sugar management.
Berberine
Advertised as “nature’s Ozempic,” berberine has become a popular ingredient in many GLP-1 dietary supplements, such as Terra ELMNT’s Berberine + GLP-1 Support and Codeage’s GLP-Advantage+. Berberine is a compound found in many different plants and has been used for over 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for digestive issues and inflammation. A review found that berberine has shown success in reducing fasting blood sugar levels and A1C. However, most of the studies were done in China, so berberine’s effects on a diverse population are still unclear.
Chromium
Chromium is another ingredient found in GLP-1 supplements like Codeage’s GLP-Advantage+ and Joi’s GLP-1 Assist, though there’s limited evidence to suggest it can improve blood sugar regulation. While some studies have shown that chromium supplementation can reduce A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes, it showed no effect on fasting blood glucose or lipid levels.
Other common ingredients in GLP-1 supplements
Many other companies have also taken advantage of the GLP-1 hype in recent years, touting their supplements as alternatives to GLP-1 drugs. One example is Supergut’s Gut Healthy GLP-1 Booster, which includes a “hunger-quieting” fiber blend. Although studies have shown that dietary fiber can increase GLP-1 secretion, it’s unclear whether these supplements provide an advantage over a fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Similarly, Pendulum’s GLP-1 Probiotic is marketed as being able to “naturally curb cravings” with their probiotic blend, but research from the American Diabetes Association suggests that Pendulum’s probiotic blends should only be used as an add-on rather than as a primary treatment until more robust data is available.
What do the experts say?
“Because the supplement industry is not regulated, we do not know what the potential danger might be if these supplements are taken alongside FDA-approved medications,” said Dr. Beverly Tchang, an obesity medicine specialist at Cornell University.
Tchang coauthored a review of dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight loss, which found that none were proven to be safe and effective.
“There is little to no scientific evidence to support the use of GLP-1 supplements in treating any medical condition," said Tchang. Her biggest concern for people with diabetes and supplements is the risk of hypoglycemia, since many supplements claim to improve or lower blood sugar. If the supplement lowers blood sugar too much, it can be life-threatening.
Tambini also outlined the potential risks of these supplements including inconsistent dosages, hidden or harmful ingredients, and the possibility of interfering with other medications.
“Additionally, these supplements might create a false sense of security, causing individuals to delay seeking proper medical treatment for conditions such as diabetes or obesity,” Tambini said. “Without adequate regulation, there is no guarantee that these products are safe for long-term use and could do more harm than good.”
Tambini emphasized that it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying any supplement, particularly for managing diabetes. Working with your doctor can help ensure that your treatment plan is safe and effective while guiding you away from products that could do more harm than good.
The bottom line
While FDA-approved GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been extensively studied for managing diabetes and weight loss, the same can’t be said about GLP-1 dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Experts caution that combining these unregulated supplements with prescription medications could lead to potentially dangerous side effects, particularly for individuals managing diabetes. It is recommended that you speak with your endocrinologist or healthcare provider before adding the next popular supplement to your Amazon cart.
Learn more about GLP-1s and supplements here: