Brightseed unveils AI-powered GLP-1 companion ingredient for metabolic health

Brightseed has launched BioMetaControl, its first bioactive ingredient for metabolic health. The ingredient includes bioactives identified through the company’s proprietary AI platform, Forager, to support glucose control, sustained energy, and digestive relief, which are crucial needs among GLP-1 users. 

BioMetaControl contains n-trans-Caffeoyl Tyramine (NCT) and n-trans-Feruloyl Tyramine (NFT). Forager identified that these bioactives can activate HNF4α, a “master metabolic switch” that regulates genes involved in blood glucose regulation, which is key to overall metabolic health. 

Lee Chae, co-founder and CEO of Brightseed, says the new ingredient is a “pivotal milestone” for the company as it expands its focus from digestive to metabolic health support.

“We are excited to provide brands with a clinically proven, nature-powered solution that supports blood glucose control and complements the use of GLP-1 therapies.”

Scientific backing

A forthcoming peer-reviewed human clinical study found the ingredient supports healthy all-day and post-meal sugar levels, reduces glucose variability, and improves fasting blood glucose. The company expects these results can be published toward the end of 2025. 

The randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial included 126 participants. BioMetaControl supplementation showed a “statistically significant improvement in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and post-meal glucose levels in prediabetic subjects.”

The ingredient improved these parameters in 30 days, highlights the company. Additionally, the results showed improvements in continuous glucose monitoring over 24 hours.

Brightseed says that study subject testimonials also show the ingredient helps to stabilize blood sugar to minimize spikes and crashes, supporting energy throughout the day. 

Brightseed says that BioMetaControl’s bioactives NCT and NFT help to support glucose control, sustained energy, and digestive relief.Moreover, a paper published in Functional Foods in Health and Disease concludes that NCT and NFT can reduce bloating and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 29 participants who all had irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. 

Participants consumed a supplement with either 120 mg of NCT and NFT or a placebo. After three weeks, there was a significant improvement in bloating and abdominal pain, gut barrier integrity, and GI comfort. The researchers concluded that the supplement “shows promise for restoring a healthy gut barrier.” 

AI-discovered bioactives

Brightseed leverages its AI platform, Forager, to identify novel bioactives with specific health benefits. The company previously told Nutrition Insight that these plant compounds tap into a growing consumer demand for higher nutritional and health benefits in foods and wellness products. 

The company’s latest market research indicated that “bioactivists” are the largest and fastest-growing health segment among US consumers, growing from 27% in 2022 to 45% in 2025. The company says these proactive consumers are willing to pay more for products containing bioactives.

BioMetaControl follows Brightseed’s recent launch of Bio Gut Core. Also containing a blend of NCT and NFT, it is designed to strengthen the gut barrier and provide relief from bloating and belly pain.

Last year, Manitoba Harvest launched a gut health product containing Brightseed’s Bio Gut Fiber, also discovered by Forager.