How can probiotics boost GLP-1 levels naturally?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone produced by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient intake. Its primary functions include stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and promoting satiety through central nervous system signaling. Recent research highlights the gut microbiome as a central player in modulating GLP-1 production, with specific probiotic strains emerging as key facilitators of this process.

Medications like semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy) mimic GLP-1 activity, yet natural methods to raise natural GLP-1—particularly through probiotics—have gained traction in recent years. Below, we will review how probiotics might boost GLP-1 levels naturally.

Can probiotics increase GLP-1 levels?

It is thought that probiotics can enhance GLP-1 levels through three primary pathways:

1. Metabolite production: Probiotics ferment dietary fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal cells.
2. Tryptophan metabolism: Certain probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium strains, metabolize dietary tryptophan into indole derivatives, which activate aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) on enteroendocrine cells. This interaction upregulates proglucagon gene expression, the precursor to GLP-1.
3. Bile acid deconjugation: Probiotics break down bile acids into secondary forms, such as deoxycholic acid, which attach to Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) in the gut. TGR5 activation stimulates GLP-1 release.

Which probiotics can boost GLP-1 levels?

More research is needed to understand which probiotics can boost GLP-1 levels, and at what amounts. Certain strains have been associated with an increase in short-chain fatty acids and GLP-1 levels in studies. These include strains from Bifidobacterium species, Lactobacillus species, and Akkermansia muciniphila.

• A 2013 study in mice showed that a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacteriium brevis, Bifidobacteriium infantis, Bifidobacteriium longum, and Streptococcus salivarius ssp thermophilus promoted the release of GLP-1.
• A small 2015 study showed that patients taking Lactobacillus reuteri daily for 4 weeks had 76% higher GLP-1 release compared to placebo.
• In a small 2021 study of patients with diabetes, those taking combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bacillus cereus tablets showed a change in intestinal short-chain fatty acids compared to the control group. GLP-1 levels were not measured, but metabolic changes such as reductions in blood sugar were seen in patients taking probiotics.
• In a 2022 study, patients with gestational diabetes taking Sutterella, Oscillibacter, and Bifidobacterium had an increase in GLP-1 levels.

Probiotics should not be used to replace antidiabetes treatments recommended by your healthcare provider. More research is needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of using probiotics to boost GLP-1 levels and lower blood sugar.