Metabolic Superfood

GLP-1 Support Prebiotic

Prebiotic blend designed to feed Metabolic µBiomic to achieve a healthy weight through GLP-1 modulation in L cells; also supports balanced blood sugar levels.

When it comes to metabolic health, one of the most important and often overlooked players is the gut microbiome. This vast ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in our intestines not only helps with digestion but also plays a central role in regulating our metabolism. Emerging research is revealing how the gut microbiome influences the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone with powerful effects on insulin secretion, appetite control, and fat metabolism. GLP-1’s crucial role in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity has made it a therapeutic target, with GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) being widely used to treat these conditions. But what if improving your gut health could naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, offering a new way to manage metabolic diseases?

The Role of GLP-1 in Metabolic Health

GLP-1 is a hormone that is primarily produced in the intestines after eating. It helps regulate glucose metabolism by:

• Stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals
• Inhibiting glucagon release (which helps prevent excess glucose production in the liver)
• Slowing gastric emptying to help with satiety and appetite control

This hormone is vital in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and managing body weight, which is why GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. By enhancing GLP-1 signaling, these drugs improve insulin sensitivity, help with glucose control, and promote weight loss.¹

How the Gut Microbiome Affects GLP-1 Secretion

Recent studies have highlighted the intimate connection between the gut microbiome and GLP-1 secretion. The gut is home to a vast community of microbes that actively influence not only digestion but also metabolic processes. These microbes produce metabolites that directly stimulate GLP-1 production in the gut. Here’s how this connection works:

• Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibers (from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), SCFAs like acetate and butyrate activate receptors on L cells (cells in the intestine responsible for producing GLP-1). This stimulation directly increases GLP-1 secretion.⁴
• Bile Acids: Gut bacteria convert primary bile acids from the liver into secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids, such as lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA), activate the TGR5 receptor on L cells, promoting GLP-1 production.¹
• Dietary Fats and Protein: The breakdown of dietary fats and proteins by gut microbes also contributes to GLP-1 secretion. For instance, the digestion of fats produces compounds like 2-OG (2-oleoyl glycerol), which activate the GPR119 receptor on L cells, boosting GLP-1 production. Additionally, the amino acid tryptophan is broken down into indole by gut bacteria, further promoting GLP-1 release.⁴

This interconnection between gut microbes and GLP-1 suggests that the composition of your microbiome plays a significant role in how much GLP-1 your body produces, which in turn affects your metabolism and metabolic health.³