HTBA to unveil GLP-1 support ingredient for muscle health and energy at Vitafoods Europe 2026

HTBA (HealthTech Bio Actives) will unveil a new GLP-1 companion ingredient at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show (May 5–7). The dual-effect ingredient, Leanara, supports muscle mass and energy levels. 

The ingredient combines HTBA’s proprietary bioflavonoids with bioavailable vitamin B12 to support lean muscle development, reduce fatigue, and optimize metabolism. Visitors to the trade show in Barcelona, Spain, can taste Leanara in mango-flavored powder sticks, along with the company’s citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12. 

Nutrition Insight explores how the new ingredient fills a market gap with Maria Jose Guerrero, global product manager at HTBA.

“The rapid adoption of GLP-1 therapies has revealed a clear nutritional gap,” she states. “While these therapies have been proven to be highly effective for weight loss, they are often associated with side effects such as loss of lean muscle mass and reduced energy levels due to reduced calorie intake.”

“This creates a significant opportunity for supplement brands to develop nutritional solutions that support individuals throughout their GLP-1 journey — an opportunity we identified early on.”

Guerrero says that HTBA aims to complement the weight-loss effects of GLP-1s with Leanara. It is designed to provide targeted metabolic and nutritional support “where it is most needed,” helping individuals maintain strength and energy as they progress on their GLP-1 journey.

Dual action

Leanara combines citrus bioflavonoids with active vitamin B12 to directly address two common challenges associated with GLP-1 therapies: the loss of lean muscle mass and reduced energy levels. HTBA points to research indicating that 40–60% of weight loss may come from lean muscle if not actively managed.

Leanara’s dual action supports the maintenance and increase in lean muscle mass during weight loss.“Citrus bioflavonoids support metabolic efficiency and muscle function by helping optimize how the body uses energy substrates and manage oxidative stress,” explains Guerrero. “Active vitamin B12 is essential for cellular energy production and plays a key role in reducing fatigue and supporting normal neurological function.”

“Together, these components work through complementary but independent mechanisms to deliver a synergistic effect: supporting muscle preservation while sustaining energy levels during periods of reduced caloric intake.”

She says that this dual action allows Leanara to go beyond macronutrient supplementation and provide targeted nutritional support tailored to the GLP-1 journey.

“Leanara has a metabolic tuning effect: it helps more oxygen and nutrients get to the muscle tissue while enhancing fat oxidation,” Guerrero reiterates.

“Unlike traditional protein or amino acid solutions, which primarily provide building blocks, Leanara optimizes how the body utilizes those nutrients. In other words, it helps direct proteins to where they are most needed: the muscle. As such, Leanara and protein-based approaches are highly complementary rather than mutually exclusive.”

Complementing pharmaceuticals

GLP-1s for weight loss and diabetes management are becoming more accessible around the world. For example, the patent for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide expired in India last month, opening the market for cheaper, generic versions.

Although side effects of these drugs, such as nausea and gastrointestinal issues, are well-known and targeted through nutritional solutions, social media research recently revealed several underreported side effects, such as menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints. These side effects are not yet fully explored in the pharmaceutical or nutrition industries.

Guerrero says functional ingredients should act as nutritional companions to GLP-1s, instead of attempting to replace these interventions.“As GLP-1 use becomes more mainstream, we expect to see growing demand for targeted nutritional solutions that enhance outcomes, support quality of life, and help sustain long-term adherence,” says Guerrero.

She underscores the important role that functional ingredients have in filling these gaps with science-backed, complementary approaches that support the overall treatment journey.

However, Guerrero cautions: “Functional ingredients should not aim to replace pharmaceutical interventions like GLP-1s. Instead, their role is to act as nutritional companions — adding value by addressing areas that prescription therapies don’t cover.”

Functional formats

In addition to effective ingredients, Guerrero highlights the importance of convenient and enjoyable nutritional formats, especially since using GLP-1s can reduce appetite.

“Consumers on these medications therefore need light, convenient solutions that can easily be integrated into their daily routines and can be consumed on-the-go.”

“We are seeing strong interest in liquid-based formats, including powder sticks that dissolve in water, ready-to-drink vials, and functional shots. These formats combine portability with a more pleasant taste experience, making them particularly well-suited for this category.”

Nutrition Insight recently explored trends and ingredients in functional beverages, which increasingly tap into holistic health benefits, from energy and cognition to gut health and beauty.

Citrus innovations

In addition to Leanara, HTBA will showcase MecabolActive and DiosVein Forte at Vitafoods Europe 2026. Guerrero says all three ingredients are designed to improve quality of life by addressing everyday health challenges that may not be pathological but still significantly impact how people feel.

“Our focus is on helping consumers stay healthier for longer through targeted, science-backed solutions. At Vitafoods Europe 2026, we are prioritizing co-creation opportunities with partners who share this vision — developing innovative, consumer-centric products that deliver meaningful benefits and align with emerging health trends like the GLP-1 companion space.”

Other innovations that will be on display at the show include Qura Creatine’s premium creatine monohydrate to enable new delivery formats through improved solubility and dispersion.

Cargill’s active lifestyle nutrition concepts at Vitafoods Europe 2026 also include products linked to GLP-1-driven dietary changes. The company recently told us it expects these medications to influence food formulation beyond weight management, signaling an opportunity to develop products that align with these new consumption patterns.