Plant-Based Nutrition Alleviates Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Enhances Protein Intake during GLP-1 Therapy
Authors: Nicole A. Withrow1, Esther E. Hsueh1, Thomas Wolever2, Alexandra L. Jenkins2, Janice Campbell2, Andreea Zurbau2, Robert McMahon3, Christina J. Valentine1
Manuscript Published in Current Developments in Nutrition
Population and Design
Prospective, open-label, pilot study of 20 adults (18-75 years) with a BMI >27 kg/m2 on established GLP-1 receptor agonist Semaglutide injections for at least 4 weeks.
Participants consumed 1-2 cartons daily of an organic pea protein-based High Protein Nutrition Shake (HPNS) for 7 days.
Outcomes Measured
Clinical characteristics, medication history, and dietary intake, including use of dietary supplements. GI symptoms were assessed at baseline, acute post-consumption (2 hours), and post-intervention (day 8).
Results
Common medical diagnoses reported were endocrine disorders (n =24), food allergies and sensitivities (n =18), and GI issues (n =12).
Adults on GLP-1RA consuming HPNS markedly increased their protein intake from 66g/d to 110g/d (p<0.001) without increasing their overall caloric intake.
Participants exceeded their daily recommended dietary fiber intake for their consumed calories. They consumed 22g of fiber vs. recommended fiber intake of 21g for a caloric intake of 1,530 calories.
Within 2 hours of consuming HPNS, participants experienced less bloating and constipation (p=0.021).
Read the Full-Text Manuscript
Affiliations:
1. Kate Farms, Goleta, CA, United States
2. INQUIS Clinical Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3. Seven Hills Strategies, Beaverton, OR, United States
Citation:
Withrow N et al., 2026; Curr Dev Nutr, 10(2026): 109393
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