Blood Sugar: The New Key Pillar of Wellness

by Janet Poveromo | September 2, 2025

Natural ingredients for blood sugar health have taken a new path. According to Kash Rocheleau, CEO of Icon Foods based in Portland, OR, “The market for blood sugar-supporting ingredients and supplements is gaining serious momentum, and it’s not just about diabetes anymore. Consumers are getting smarter about metabolic health and are proactively managing blood sugar to support energy, reduce cravings, improve focus and maintain a healthy weight. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are now part of the wellness conversation, and influencers like Glucose Goddess have brought this topic into the mainstream in a big way.”

Rocheleau added, “What’s interesting is how broad the audience has become. It’s not just athletes or the biohacking crowd—we’re seeing interest from everyday consumers who are starting to connect blood sugar spikes with mood crashes, energy dips and stubborn weight. It’s no longer about reacting to a diagnosis but about prevention and optimization.”

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, have also shifted the narrative. “These drugs have made blood sugar balance part of the weight loss conversation, and now that people are coming off of them—or looking for natural support before ever going that route—the demand for functional foods and supplements has skyrocketed,” Rocheleau said. “They’re looking for products that can help support metabolic health and keep blood sugar in check, ideally through food.”

From a formulation standpoint, suppliers are seeing a big move toward fibers—specifically fiber stacking—to not only increase satiety and add functionality, but to help prevent glucose spikes, Rocheleau said.

“Bottom line: blood sugar is no longer a niche concern. It’s become a key pillar of wellness. The brands who figure out how to deliver on taste, functionality and real metabolic support are going to win.”

The Ingredient Revolution

“The landscape for blood sugar support is shifting fast,” Rocheleau noted, “and consumers are getting savvier about what works and what doesn’t. We’re seeing a move away from mystery blends and overhyped promises toward ingredients with real research behind them—especially those that align with the clean label and functional food space. Berberine continues to lead the conversation. It’s been dubbed ‘nature’s Ozempic’ for a reason, with a solid body of research backing its ability to support insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. It’s gaining popularity not just in supplements, but in functional products where metabolic health is a key value prop.”

Rocheleau added that cinnamon extract is another powerhouse that’s holding its ground. “When standardized properly, it can help with insulin response and lowering fasting glucose. The fact that it’s familiar to consumers and has roots in traditional wellness gives it a leg up in terms of marketability and trust. But maybe the most exciting shift is the role of soluble fibers. Ingredients like inulin, acacia and resistant dextrin are doing more than just feeding the gut, they’re helping regulate blood sugar by slowing absorption and improving satiety.”

What’s New

At New Jersey-based Indena U.S.A., Cosimo Palumbo, chief operating officer, said the company recently introduced Berbevis Berberine Indena Phytosome, a cutting-edge solution designed to support a healthy metabolism, featuring an optimized bioabsorption profile featuring the Indena Phytosome delivery system. “This advanced technology platform enhances the absorption and pharmacokinetic properties of phytonutrients, unlocking their full potential and ensuring they are delivered into the body in the most effective way.”

This new custom formulation, specifically developed to leverage the properties of berberine, incorporates three key innovations:

1. Pea protein as a carrier within the Indena Phytosome matrix, enhancing stability and delivery.

2. Berberis aristata raw extract, selected for its superior solubility compared to pure berberine.

3. Grape seed extract, added for its potent natural antioxidant properties, which help improve gastrointestinal tolerability.

“Scientific research has demonstrated that berbevis is effective in maintaining balanced blood sugar and lipid metabolism, supporting healthy body parameters, and promoting skin health in different life stages,” Palumbo said.

Florencia Moreno Torres, global marketing manager, health & nutrition, Rousselot (Netherlands), noted that innovation has focused on ingredients that help regulate blood sugar by supporting the body’s own incretin hormones pathways naturally, particularly GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide), hormones that play a central role in moderating insulin response and appetite after meals.

“One standout example is Nextida GC, a specific collagen peptide composition developed by Rousselot,” she said. “In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study, Nextida GC has shown to reduce post-meal glucose spikes by up to 42 percent while promoting GLP-1 and GIP secretion. The emergence of such ingredients, which are clinically tested, marks a shift in the market, as consumers increasingly seek solutions that offer both natural efficacy and measurable scientific results and as manufacturers increasingly focus on scientifically validated formulas that emphasize transparency and safety.”

The best researched ingredient in this space, according to Wouter Claerhouse, vice president, APAC, at Phynova Group Limited in Branbury, Oxfordshire, U.K., is Reducose, a patented water extract of white mulberry leaves that can boast over a decade of scientific research with 10-plus human clinical trials showing an immediate and significant reduction of up to 40 percent of the post-meal blood sugar and insulin response.

Claerhouse said that this significant reduction occurs from the first small 250 mg dose taken and consumers can feel that it works as the balanced sugar response translates into better energy, better focus, absence of brain fog, less hangry and sleepy feelings after meals.

Three other significant ingredients, according to Shil Kothari, president, Gateway Health Alliances, Inc., in Fairfield, CA, are supported by more than a dozen clinical studies involving more than more than 1,500 subjects: CQR-300 (Cissus quadrangularis extract) supports blood sugar balance through multiple clinically studied mechanisms. It inhibits the breakdown of GLP-1, allowing this key metabolic hormone to remain active longer and at significantly higher levels. CQR-300 also modulates leptin and adiponectin, two hormones that work synergistically to regulate appetite, satiety and metabolic activity. Additionally, it inhibits alpha-glucosidase and improves insulin sensitivity, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes after eating and support healthy weight management—both critical factors in glycemic control.

Dyglomera is a patented extract of the African spice fruit (Dichrostachys glomerata). Randomized clinical studies show that Dyglomera can significantly reduce calorie intake, body weight and body fat, while also improving key metabolic biomarkers, including the support of healthy blood sugar levels. It works through complementary hormonal pathways, modulating GLP-1, insulin leptin and adiponectin—all of which are critical to appetite regulation, insulin secretion and glycemic control.

IGOB131, a patented extract of African mango (Irvingia gabonensis), has been shown in multiple clinical studies to support healthy blood sugar management through several complementary mechanisms:

• Improved insulin sensitivity. Enhances the body’s response to insulin, promoting more efficient glucose uptake.

• Leptin and adiponectin modulation. Supports hormonal balance critical for appetite regulation and glucose metabolism.

• Delayed carbohydrate digestion. May mildly inhibit digestive enzymes such as amylase, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Brandy Webb, ND, scientific affairs manager with Probi USA, said “The halo effect from growing interest in GLP-1 drugs has allowed natural ingredients with metabolic health benefits to share the spotlight, particularly those shown to support healthy blood sugar. Many of these ingredients have been around for years and are supported by multiple clinical trials. Magnesium, for example, has demonstrated the ability to reduce fasting and postprandial glucose and improve insulin sensitivity markers, while chromium has been shown to improve HbA1c. Select herbs like fenugreek, curcumin and cinnamon also have considerable evidence showing benefits on fasting glucose and HbA1c.”

Newer to the metabolic health category, she added, “are ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, which continue to gain traction as evidence supporting their use grows. A recently published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 130 individuals with metabolic syndrome showed that daily intake of L. paracasei 8700:2 for 12 weeks improved triglycerides, mitigated weight gain and lowered metabolic syndrome severity scores. These benefits were seen in the absence of dietary or lifestyle changes, and the effects were not observed in the placebo group, underscoring the therapeutic potential of the L. paracasei 8700:2 strain. Relatedly, certain prebiotics are showing significant promise as metabolically beneficial compounds with the capacity to improve blood sugar parameters like insulin response and blood glucose levels.”

From Florida-based HP Ingredients, CEO Annie Eng listed the company’s ingredients in this category:

Bergamonte (Citrus bergamia Risso) is a patented standardized extract which has unique active profile of flavonoids, such as neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, naringin, brutelidin and melitidin. “We also call it BPF (bergamot polyphenolic fraction),” Eng said.

Allowable claims for Bergamonte include:

• Supports healthy cardiometabolic profile

• Helps support healthy blood glucose levels

• Helps support healthy cardiovascular function

• Supports healthy cholesterol profile

• Helps support healthy cholesterol levels

• Encourages healthy weight management

• Provides antioxidant protection

New, patented Bergacyn is a proprietary blend of Bergamot BPF and wild artichoke extract (Cynara cardunculus), standardized for actives 19 percent BPF extract and 10 percent cynaropicirin. This cardiometabolic-support ingredient has been demonstrated to protect blood sugar health by supporting liver-driven glucose metabolism, glycemic control in individuals with extraneous fat on the liver, and to reduce inflammatory markers that are related to insulin resistance.

MaquiCare is a wildcrafted maqui berry extract that can be incorporated into blood sugar-support formulas. Research has shown it activates GLUT4, enhancing glucose uptake, reduces post-prandial blood sugar spikes and mitigates oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance.

More on Citrus

Rob Brewster, president of Ingredients by Nature based in Montclair, CA, also addressed the use of citrus ingredients in this category.

“The commonly recognized ingredients that help manage blood glucose levels typically only address insulin resistance, and only a few address two factors. Citrus flavonoids are one of the leading ingredients due to their multi-functional approach and numerous published clinical studies,” he said. “For example, our proprietary ingredient, Eriomin, has three human clinical trials backing its efficacy for improved blood glucose. Eriomin is unique in its ability to address interrelated avenues of care, including blood glucose, inflammation and oxidation. It has also been shown to increase insulin production by boosting endogenous GLP-1 levels.”

Specifically, the first human trial showed Eriomin improved glucose metabolism in 103 volunteers at 200 mg/day over 12 weeks. It increased endogenous GLP-1 by 15 percent, decreased blood glucose levels by 5 percent and HbA1c by 2 percent. In the second published human clinical trial, Eriomin significantly benefited glycemic control of those with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels by increasing endogenous GLP-1 and supporting a healthy inflammatory response. In the third published clinical trial, Eriomin influenced specific intestinal microorganisms related to glucose homeostasis and GLP-1 production in patients with prediabetes after 12 weeks of daily supplementation.

Another branded ingredient option example is SloIron, distributed by California-based Guzen Development, which is a natural plant-based ferritin-iron that has a specific absorption and slow-release mechanism in the body, said Vincent Hackel, Guzen Development’s CEO. “This is unique to all other iron supplementation and can provide iron supplementation without the risk of iron overload. SloIron offers a natural, plant-based solution that is effective and gentle on the stomach.”

Trend Report

Consumers are shifting their focus from quick fixes to long-term metabolic support, and that’s fueling a wave of trends in the blood sugar support category, according to Rocheleau. “There’s a clear move toward prevention. People aren’t just looking to manage glucose once it’s a problem, they’re proactively seeking solutions to maintain balance throughout the day. That’s why we’re seeing increased demand for supplements and functional products that help stabilize energy, curb cravings and support satiety.”

Rocheleau said GLP-1s have played a major role in accelerating this trend. They’ve brought metabolic health front and center, and as more consumers start asking how to support or mimic that effect naturally, brands are stepping up with products that include ingredients like soluble fibers and berberine.

Other trends to look forward to, according to Claerhouse, are new formats, such as thin film strips, fast melts and pill boxes (on-the-go formats).

Formulation Considerations

When formulating with ingredients that support healthy blood sugar, it’s important to remember that efficacy isn’t the only consideration—tolerability, consumer education and application performance matter just as much, Rocheleau said.

For consumers, education is key. “Just because something is labeled as “blood sugar friendly” doesn’t mean it’s universally suitable,” he noted. “Individuals respond differently to ingredients like berberine or cinnamon extract, and those with underlying conditions should always consult health care providers. Brands have a responsibility to be transparent about what the ingredients do, how they work, and what consumers should expect. The goal is to create products that are not only effective but also trusted and safe for daily use.”

Palumbo added, “GLP-1 drugs are making a significant impact in the health and nutrition market. These medications work by mimicking a hormone that is naturally produced in the gastrointestinal system, originally intended for individuals with diagnosed metabolic conditions. Due to the popularity of these products, many consumers have sought natural alternatives offering similar benefits. It’s also created a significant market opportunity for dietary supplement manufacturers.

“When considering these ingredients,” he said, “ it’s important to evaluate the scientific support ensuring the ingredients are effective. At Indena, our portfolio of natural ingredients has clinical support for key metabolic and multifunctional parameters that enhance quality of life and support long-term wellness goals.”

Additional Ways to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar

Maintaining healthy blood sugar isn’t just about what’s in a product—it’s also about the habits that support overall metabolic health. “First, pairing fiber and protein with carbs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to blunt glucose spikes,” Rocheleau said. “It slows digestion and creates a more stable release of energy. Second, movement matters. Even a short walk after meals can have a measurable impact on post-meal glucose. Third, timing and consistency—eating meals around the same time each day, avoiding late-night snacking, and minimizing ultra-processed foods—can make a big difference in insulin response.”

He added, “From a formulation standpoint, it’s important to consider how the ingredient mix supports satiety and digestion. Products that help people feel full and satisfied naturally support better glycemic control. Education on when and how to consume a product (e.g., with meals vs. between meals) also goes a long way in delivering real results for the consumer. Ultimately, it’s about empowering people with tools that work in the real world, not just in the lab.” NIE