In an open-label consumer perception survey, BC30™ Probiotic shows potential for maintaining digestive comfort, supporting continued GLP-1 use and enhancing overall satisfaction among users
Kerry Group, a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions, released a new consumer perception study suggesting its scientifically-backed BC30™ Probiotic contributed to a positive experience among users of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications – a class of drugs growing rapidly for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Recognizing that GLP-1 users are rethinking their eating habits, looking to maintain a balanced diet to support preservation of lean muscle mass, and manage digestive comfort, Kerry set out to support users in continuing their GLP-1 journey. To do this, the company conducted a four-week, open-label, uncontrolled consumer perception study, testing its BC30™ probiotic among GLP-1 medication users. Supported by over 45 research publications demonstrating its survivability, safety, and efficacy – including improvements in digestive symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating through multiple randomized clinical trials – BC30™ has emerged as a promising probiotic. Beyond clinical evidence, the recently released consumer perception study explores the perceived benefits of BC30™ in a real-world context, further reinforcing its potential to support digestive health and enhance overall quality of life, making it a probiotic GLP-1 users can feel confident about.
After four weeks using BC30™, participants in the study self-reported improvements across key, known GLP-1 medication use issues, including:
· 77% of participants perceived a moderate to significant improvement in their overall daily quality of life, previously impacted by GI symptoms.
· 60% of participants found BC30™ to be moderately to very useful in improving their digestive health, while 12% perceived it as even a “game changer.”
· Over 80% of participants noticed an improvement in their GI symptoms compared to baseline, with symptoms either completely disappearing or at least feeling better.
· 69% of participants indicated they would continue using GLP-1 medications due to BC30™’s positive effect on GI discomfort and overall health.
· 66% indicated they would purchase BC30™, 91% indicated they would recommend it to other GLP-1 medication users, and 41% rated it as “fantastic.”
Globally, 2.5 billion1 adults are overweight or obese, including 73.6 percent2 of U.S. adults, driving consumer demand in GLP-1 medications as a weight management tool. While 30 to 35 percent3 of Americans are interested in using GLP-1 medications, 50 to 75 percent3 of users discontinue use of the drug within a year before meeting their weight management goals, often due to gastrointestinal discomfort and additional side effects impacting their daily lives. Even when treatment continues, these side effects can meaningfully reduce quality of life — with issues like fatigue reported by one in five users, and the majority of those saying it disrupts their daily lives.
“Gastrointestinal issues are among the main drivers of a reduced quality of life and one of the key reasons consumers abandon weight management treatment with GLP-1 medications,” said Alexandra Boelrijik, Global RD&A Vice President at Kerry. “Although several products in the marketplace claim to support digestive issues, few have necessarily been evaluated and tested by a consumer population of GLP-1 medication users. This population reported enhanced GI comfort and improved quality of life after consuming BC30™ for 4 weeks. BC30™ is a highly stable, science-backed formulation, that can be used in a variety of enhanced food and beverages which can fit seamlessly into consumer routines and changing eating habits.”
The use of GLP-1 medications has revolutionized both weight management and diabetes treatment, but these medications also present challenges that lead to abandonment of treatment. Now more than ever, maintaining healthy gastrointestinal function is essential for improving the experience for GLP-1 medication users.
To learn more about BC30™’s potential support for GLP-1 users, Kerry will be hosting a webinar titled “Adapting Appetites Part 2: Keep Your GLP-1 Journey On Track ” on June 25. The webinar will dive into key findings from recent research, including the reasons GLP-1 users discontinue their medication, the potential of Kerry’s BC30™ to help support the GLP-1 journey, our recent study on how GLP-1 users perceive BC30, and how food and beverage brands can step in with actionable solutions that could make a difference. Registration is available at Adapting Appetites: Keep Your GLP-1 Journey On Track Webinar Registration.
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