GLP-1 alternatives? SwipeBiome CEO reacts to study linking gut bacterium to sugar cravings

A newly published study reveals the important role gut microbiota plays in regulating sugar preference. Researchers discovered the bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus influenced cravings through a metabolic pathway involving free fatty acid receptor 4 (Ffar4). Nutrition Insight speaks with a microbiome expert to discuss the importance of this finding.

Published in Nature Microbiology, the study found diabetic patients and mice have lower levels of Ffar4 expression and B. vulgatus. These factors were linked to increased sugar preference.

The researchers explain that pantothenate, which B. vulgatus secretes, promotes the release of GLP-1. Ultimately, this process enables fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) to halt sugar cravings.

The paper suggests that restoring B. vulgatus levels may help regulate sugar intake and glucose metabolism.

Dr. Amine Zorgani, founder and CEO of SwipeBiome and The Microbiome Mavericks, tells us that while dietary interventions may support gut health, translating these insights into viable treatments requires further research, particularly in human clinical trials.

What strikes you most about the new research paper in Nature Microbiology? 
Zorgani: The clear gut-liver-brain circuit controlling sugar cravings. By showing that reduced Ffar4 disrupts B. vulgatus and lowers pantothenate, the study reveals a microbiome-driven mechanism fueling sweet-seeking behavior. I think it’s an exciting time for the microbiome field that opens a new, non-chemical approach to the management of diabetes.

Why do you think B. vulgatus is so important for gut health in diabetic patients?
Zorgani: Although B. vulgatus can be pathogenic, depending on the strain, this study shows that it induces pantothenate production that enhances GLP-1 release, crucial for controlling sugar cravings. 

Eating pantothenate-rich foods like eggs, legumes, or mushrooms helps, but might not always reach therapeutic levels.Balancing B. vulgatus may correct microbial imbalances in diabetic patients, promoting healthier glucose regulation. However, we are still far from proving that this will also work for humans as it did in mice.

Can eating the right foods increase pantothenate naturally, or would people need supplements?
Zorgani: Eating pantothenate-rich foods like eggs, legumes, or mushrooms helps, but might not always reach therapeutic levels. That is why supplements, guided by healthcare providers, can further optimize pantothenate availability. A holistic approach, combining diet and targeted supplementation, offers the best chance to enhance GLP-1 release and manage sugar cravings effectively.

There isn’t a single food that exclusively boosts B. vulgatus, but fiber-rich and fermented foods can help. In specific cases like this one, I believe that a B. vulgatus-based live biotherapeutic might be more suitable for delivering higher doses of this beneficial bacterium directly to the gut. However, the main hurdle preventing this from happening is growing this strict anaerobe in large-scale fermentors, which differ greatly from the gut environment.

Could targeting the Ffar4 pathway improve overall health, or are there risks we should know about?
Zorgani: It’s challenging to draw broad conclusions from a single, small study like this one. Indeed, the findings are promising, but larger, more diverse clinical trials are needed to confirm that we’ve identified the correct biomarker. Given the global nature of diabetes, we also want to rule out any population-specific factors and ensure universal applicability.

What challenges do you see in turning this research into real-life advice for people?
Zorgani: Turning pioneering microbiome research into practical advice is not a piece of cake. The pharmaceutical industry currently prioritizes established drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, so developing microbe-based therapies isn’t top-of-mind. Also, the road to regulatory approval is long and expensive. Just look at the first US FDA-approved fecal microbiota transplantation, which took over a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars to bring to market. 

Achieving success requires unified efforts from scientists, clinicians, regulators, and industry leaders, alongside robust patient education. When patients recognize how gut microbes can transform their health, they’re more likely to embrace the dietary and lifestyle habits that nurture a balanced microbiome, ultimately helping translate these scientific breakthroughs into real-world benefits.