mend™ Regenerate: A Clinically Aligned Nutritional Strategy for Patients on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Therapy

GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed obesity and type 2 diabetes management, offering unprecedented outcomes in weight loss and glycemic control. However, the physiological effects of these agents - including appetite suppression, altered gastrointestinal motility, and changes in nutrient absorption - introduce potential nutritional complications. These include lean mass loss, micronutrient insufficiencies and digestive discomfort, all of which can undermine therapeutic outcomes and long-term metabolic health.

mend™ Regenerate, originally formulated to address muscle health in aging populations, may provide nutritional support for these emerging challenges among patients on GLP-1s. With a robust, evidence-informed ingredient profile targeting muscle preservation and digestive optimization, mend™ Regenerate is positioned as a nutritional supplement that aligns with the needs of this population  in this patient group.

Key Nutritional and Metabolic Risks Associated with GLP-1 Therapy

  1.  Appetite Suppression and Reduced Nutrient Intake

    GLP-1s function by promoting satiety and delaying gastric emptying, often resulting in significant reductions in overall caloric and protein intake. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies in macronutrients (especially protein) and critical micronutrients including B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron - nutrients essential for neuromuscular, hematologic, and bone health.

  2. Loss of Lean Muscle Mass

    Rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 therapy typically includes a proportion of skeletal muscle mass, which can impair basal metabolic rate, physical function, and glucose disposal. This is particularly concerning in older adults or patients with comorbidities that affect mobility or nutritional status.

  3. Gastrointestinal Effects and Nutrient Malabsorption

    Common side effects such as nausea, early satiety, and constipation may further restrict dietary intake and impair nutrient absorption - particularly of fat-soluble vitamins and dietary protein. Slowed gastric emptying and disrupted digestive enzyme activity can contribute to subclinical malabsorption.

  4. Impaired Energy and Glucose Metabolism

    Reduced glycogen stores from caloric restriction and changes in insulin dynamics can leave patients with reduced exercise tolerance and potential for hypoglycemia, especially when food intake is inconsistent or protein/carbohydrate intake is inadequate.

Clinical Role of mend™ Regenerate in Supporting GLP-1 Patients

mend™ Regenerate is formulated with a therapeutic blend of anabolic agents, digestive enzymes, and micronutrients designed to support nutritional needs associated  with GLP-1 therapy. Key ingredients include:

HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate)

A leucine metabolite shown to inhibit muscle protein breakdown by downregulating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and enhancing mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) mediated protein synthesis. Evidence suggests HMB supplementation attenuates lean mass loss during caloric restriction or immobilization (Nissen & Sharp, 2003).

Leucine

An essential amino acid with a direct stimulatory effect on mTOR, leucine plays a critical role in muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Clinical studies have demonstrated that leucine supplementation can overcome anabolic resistance, especially in older adults (Katsanos et al., 2006).

Creatine Monohydrate

Backed by extensive meta-analyses, creatine improves muscle power output, increases lean mass, and supports neuromuscular function in both young and elderly populations (Chilibeck et al., 2017). It also contributes to cellular hydration, which can further stimulate anabolic signaling.

Enhancing Digestive Efficiency and Nutrient Absorption

Digestive enzyme support is particularly relevant for GLP-1 users who experience delayed gastric emptying and suboptimal nutrient uptake:

  • Papain & Bromelain: Proteolytic enzymes that facilitate protein breakdown and reduce inflammation in the GI tract.

  • Lipase: Promotes digestion of dietary fats and supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

  • Aminogen®: A patented blend that enhances protein bioavailability by increasing amino acid absorption and improving nitrogen retention - critical for muscle maintenance.

These enzymes help mitigate common complaints such as bloating, early satiety, and indigestion, while also improving micronutrient assimilation in a hypocaloric state.

Clinical Implications and Use Cases

For clinicians managing patients on GLP-1s, especially those experiencing:

  • Significant or rapid weight loss

  • Fatigue and reduced exercise capacity

  • Loss of lean mass or sarcopenic risk

  • Glucose intolerance to protein or high-fat foods

mend™ Regenerate offers a supplement option formulated with evidence-informed ingredients. Its comprehensive formulation allows targeted support for muscle and metabolic health without requiring large caloric intake - an important consideration in appetite-suppressed individuals.

Conclusion

GLP-1 therapies deliver substantial benefits, but they are not without risk. The nutritional implications of appetite suppression, muscle catabolism, and digestive changes require proactive management. mend™ Regenerate offers a strategic nutritional adjunct to help maintain muscle integrity, support digestion and mitigate common nutrient deficiencies.

Incorporating mend™ Regenerate into the care protocol of GLP-1 users -  particularly older adults, individuals with sarcopenia risk or those struggling with dietary intake - may support overall wellness and quality of life.

For professional use or clinical inquiries, please contact PLYMOUTH MEDICAL:

Citations

  1. Nissen, S., & Sharp, R. (2003). Effect of HMB on muscle loss and function in elderly adults. The Journal of Aging Research.

  2. Rowlands, D. S., & Thomson, J. S. (2009). Effects of HMB on exercise recovery and muscle strength. Sports Medicine.

  3. Churchward-Venne, T. A., et al. (2014). Leucine supplementation and muscle protein synthesis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

  4. Katsanos, C. S., et al. (2006). Anabolic resistance in elderly and leucine supplementation benefits. The Journal of Nutrition.

  5. Norton, L. E., et al. (2012). Leucine and post-exercise recovery. Journal of Applied Physiology.

  6. Chilibeck, P. D., et al. (2017). Creatine supplementation effects on lean mass and strength. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

  7. Tarnopolsky, M., & MacLennan, D. (2000). Creatine’s effects on muscle cell size and hydration. Muscle & Nerve.

  8. Clark, J. F., et al. (2011). Creatine and aging muscle preservation. The Journal of Gerontology.

  9. Wilkinson, D. J., et al. (2008). Combination of leucine and creatine for muscle growth. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

  10. Chandrasekaran, C. V., Sundarajan, K., & Jagatheswaran, K. (2012). Proteolytic enzyme activity of papain from Carica papaya and its effect on gastrointestinal tract protein digestion. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 142(3), 483–489.

  11. Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha, & Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: A review. Biotechnology Research International, 2012, 976203.

  12. Jenkins, R. C., & Fraser, R. J. (2005). Lipase supplementation and fat digestion and absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 3(3), 263–269.

  13. Minnaar, P. P., & Radomsky, P. (2013). Effects of Aminogen on nitrogen retention, protein absorption, and muscle protein synthesis in resistance-trained individuals. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 45.

Formulated by clinical experts. Supported by published science. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

05/24/2025