Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a key gut hormone regulating glucose homeostasis and satiety. L-Arginine has previously shown to elevate GLP-1 levels, which correlated with improved glucose tolerance and reduced energy intake. PURPOSE: This triple-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled randomized study aimed to assess the impact of a proprietary blend of L-arginine and antioxidants on active GLP-1 concentration postprandially, satiety, and meal intake. METHODS: 16 participants with overweight or obesity completed the 3 conditions: a Placebo, a Low-Dose, and a High-Dose. Serum samples were collected at 8 time points over 2h to assess active GLP-1 levels. Supplements were consumed at time 0, and an ad libitum meal was consumed at 60 min. Non-serological variables were also measured: satiety rating was measured at 0, 60, 90, and 120 min, and meal weight was measured before and after meal ingestion. The nutritional supplement contained L-arginine, cherry tart powder, resveratrol, and vitamin C. RESULTS: Supplementation significantly augmented circulating GLP-1 compared to the control condition. Both doses triggered an immediate, transient rise in GLP-1, followed by a robust and significantly enhanced post-meal response relative to placebo. Analysis of the Area Under the Curve confirmed this finding: total GLP-1 exposure was 607% greater in the High-Dose group (~340n pg/ml/min, p < 0.0001) and 544% greater in the Low-Dose group (~309 pg/ml/min, p = 0.0076) compared to placebo (~ 50 pg/ml/min). No significant differences in GLP-1 concentrations were observed between the Low and High supplement doses. The small effect size in non-serological variables (η² = 0.023 for both variables) suggests the study was underpowered to detect differences in these variables, as it was primarily designed to test effects on GLP-1. Power calculations indicate that a larger sample (~42 participants rather than 16) would be needed to reliably evaluate potential differences in these variables. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that the proprietary blend significantly increased active GLP-1 concentration.
Recommended Citation
Harnen, Katelyn M.
(2026)
"Acute Effect of a Proprietary Blend of L-Arginine and Antioxidants on GLP-1 Release,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/2