Metabolic Health Optimisation
Ingredient-based strategies for metabolic health
Metabolic health refers to the optimal functioning of interrelated systems that regulate glucose metabolism, lipid balance, body composition and vascular tone. Disruptions in these systems can contribute to a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors often referred to as metabolic syndrome, including central adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and elevated blood pressure.
Background: Addressing a complex public health challenge
Metabolic dysfunction is prevalent in modern populations, with studies indicating that over 24% of adults present clinical signs consistent with metabolic syndrome, with a slightly higher prevalence among women. This represents a key opportunity for the development of functional products targeting early-stage metabolic imbalance.
Role of NOW® ingredient systems in metabolic support
NOW® Energy (2 × 3.35 g/day before meals)
A carob-based ingredient system standardised in D-pinitol, developed for metabolic support applications. Clinical data suggest the following effects:
- Reduction in fasting blood glucose levels.
- Improvement in glycaemic markers, including a 3.8% reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over 45 days.
- Support for weight loss, with a mean reduction of 0.7 kg in clinical observations over 45 days.
- These outcomes support its application in formulations targeting glycaemic balance, energy metabolism and early-stage metabolic stress.
NOW® Weight (2 × 4 g/day before meals)
An advanced fibre-polyphenol complex derived from carob, evaluated in human studies for its effect on body composition and weight regulation. Key findings include:
- Body weight reduction of 0.7 to 0.8 kg over 40 days.
- Decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) by 0.3 kg/m².
- Significant visceral fat mass reduction, including:
- a) -0.7 kg (DEXA method),
- b) -0.9 kg (Bioimpedance).
- Lean mass preservation and slight muscle gain, suggesting selective fat mass reduction without proteolysis.
These results make NOW® Weight a suitable component for formulations aimed at visceral adiposity, BMI control and metabolic composition optimisation.
Application areas
Both ingredient systems can be used in:
- Functional foods for metabolic wellness.
- Nutritional products for overweight or prediabetic individuals.
- Daily-use sachets or beverages targeting blood sugar balance and body composition.
Scientific validation
The effects of NOW® Energy and NOW® Weight have been evaluated in:
- Clinical trials with adult populations,
- Studies using validated metabolic endpoints (HbA1c, DEXA, BMI),
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals focused on glycaemic control and visceral adiposity.
Technical reports and study summaries are available to qualified partners under confidentiality agreement (NDA).
DISCLAIMER FOR B2B USE ONLY
This information is intended solely for business-to-business communication and professional formulation purposes. It does not constitute a nutrition or health claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The responsibility for ensuring regulatory compliance of any final product claims lies with the manufacturer or distributor of the consumer-facing product.