Product Formulations to Support Blood Sugar

What does it mean for a product “to support blood sugar”? In the dietary supplement industry, this statement applies to dietary supplements that help to bring blood sugar levels back to normal, and to promote insulin sensitivity and a healthy pancreas for the release of insulin. Consumers should first evaluate their diet to confirm that it is healthy, reducing the intake of simple sugars and consuming more nutrient-dense foods. Lifestyle, including an exercise regimen, is also important. Then for further support, dietary supplements are available.

Product formulators may receive a product request form to build such a product and investigate the scientific literature to find ingredients with human, animal and in vitro research to support the product. If the research is available and if the publications are available, ingredient suppliers should be able to provide support and the studies.

Much brainstorming occurs in the product development process to position any product in the dietary supplement market. After a product is built, then marketing copy can be developed that reflects the function of the product based on the research, but is compliant with the law. It is always important to be truthful and honest to the consumer; but, especially in categories like blood sugar management, it is important to follow regulatory guidelines. Supplements should be viewed as food ingredients since that is what most of these materials are. Products should not be positioned as drugs to cure diabetes and should follow regulatory guidelines. It is also wise to include a warning for consumers with any diseases and or on any medication to check with their health provider prior to use.

Various ingredients that may support blood sugar include the vitamins C, E, B6 and biotin; the minerals chromium, magnesium and vanadium; and herbal extracts such as Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia (bitter melon), cinnamon, American ginseng and fenugreek seed. Interestingly, fenugreek seeds contain a unique amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-OH-Ile), which is believed to be the active compound that positively influences insulin sensitivity. There is also a stand-alone, patented 4-OH-Ile product with its own supporting research for blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral and cofactor for insulin that helps to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. In the body, chromium, amino acids and niacin make up the Glucose Tolerance Factor, which helps insulin bind to its receptors. Since the scientific literature associates glucose tolerance with chromium deficiency, chromium is a common compound to add to blood sugar formulas. Besides deficiency data, chromium has been studied in humans showing that it helps to improve glucose tolerance in subjects with diabetes by providing support to insulin sensitivity. Chromium supplementation has been used in individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetics and in healthy individuals showing beneficial effects on blood sugar.

Vanadium specifically has demonstrated support of the pancreas. One form of vanadium called Bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV) is an organic complex of vanadium shown by research as more readily absorbed in the body than some other sources. Vanadium helps to stimulate glucose uptake into cells and enhances glucose metabolism for glycogen synthesis. The B vitamin biotin is involved in carbohydrate metabolism; deficiency may cause abnormal functioning of an enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase, which would elevate pyruvate levels. Pyruvate carboxylase has been shown to be significantly lower in animals with blood sugar problems.

Besides supporting blood sugar, products formulated for the diabetic market may support body systems, organs or tissues that are affected by blood sugar problems such as the nerves, eyes, kidneys and heart. Secondary ingredients could include Ginkgo biloba with a low ginkgolic acid level to support blood circulation.

While these minerals and vitamins are useful in small amounts for product formulations, a company should assess its product line in advance to determine whether there are already existing products that contain these nutrients. A consumer could, consequently, consume toxic levels if she was taking more than one product containing these ingredients. A product development specialist can assist with these types of issues and provide technical support on product formulation.

Dosage also plays a role in ingredient selection. Some ingredients are appealing because of good research and good safety data, but the effective dose is extremely high, which increases the product cost and reduces the ability to add other supporting ingredients. This may be satisfactory for some markets, but it usually would not work for mass market. An example is American ginseng, which has been shown to be effective in human studies in supporting blood sugar, but the effective dose is 3 g/d.

Adverse reactions are also a possibility. Some individuals may react to ingredients that support blood sugar by over consumption, causing an overdrive effect of sugar uptake into the tissues. Individuals taking diabetic drugs could also have a hypoglycemic reaction by taking compounds that influence blood sugar and insulin. Products in this category should, therefore, consider a label statement to the effect of: “Individuals who are diabetic or have any disease and or take prescription medication should always consult their physician prior to using a dietary supplement.” Consult with legal counsel in development of appropriate label copy.

There are other regulatory considerations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canadian and Mexican government agencies have established plans to prevent the sales of products positioned as cures or treatments of diabetes. In combination with these other agencies, there have been around 180 warning letters that have been sent out to companies that are stepping over the edge to deliver a message that their products provide a “cure” for diabetics. Awareness of proper formulation and scientifically-based, legallysound labeling is a must.

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