L-Nutra calls to add fasting-mimicking nutrition technology to diabetes management

09 Apr 2024 --- A clinical trial by nutri-technology company L-Nutra suggests that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) may provide a better intervention method for type 2 diabetes than standard care alone. The study found positive results across critical diabetes metrics, such as HbA1c levels (blood test to diagnose type 2 diabetes), disease remission and insulin resistance. At the same time, the intervention preserved muscle and metabolic rate.

Over 12 months, the trial’s participants underwent a monthly cycle of FMD — a five-day plant-based, calorie-restricted meal plan — in addition to standard diabetes care, interspersed with 25 days of their regular diet. A control group only received standard diabetes care. 

“This is the second successful FMD clinical trial in type 2 diabetes, showing safety and enhanced efficacy over standard of care alone. The results support our leadership within the ‘Food is Medicine’ movement by presenting a novel program that supports disease regression for most patients (needing fewer medications) and some with disease remission (needing no medication),” comments Dr. William Hsu, chief medical officer at L-Nutra.  

“With reduced medication intake and improved glycemic control among participants, the FMD program, called L-Nutra Health, is poised to revolutionize type 2 diabetes management, offering hope and tangible results to those in need and potential cost reduction for payors.”

Improved glycemic management  
The research involved 100 type 2 diabetes patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 27, who were either on standard care or treated with Metformin — a medication to treat type 2 diabetes. The participants also received one year of follow-up. 

L-Nutra notes that the randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial provides “compelling evidence” to support the integration of FMD into care management of type 2 diabetes. It focuses on “glycemic management,” a metric used to measure efficacy by medication reduction.  

FMD participants were eight times more likely to reduce their medication dosages, while 56% stopped or reduced their medications, compared to 10% in the control group. People in the FMD group also showed enhanced insulin sensitivity, and 53% demonstrated improved glycemic management, compared to 8% in the control group. 

Participants consumed monthly cycles of a five-day plant-based, calorie-restricted meal plan, with their regular diet.“Diabetes patients have been underserved with two impossible options — either to adhere to a strict daily dieting and lifestyle routine or never-ending prescriptions of medications with chemicals and side effects. This inspired me to leave medicine and the biotech industry to build the first nutrition technology company, L-Nutra,” says Dr. Joseph Antoun, L-Nutra CEO and chairman. 

The study published in Diabetologia also found positive reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage without loss in fat-free mass. 

L-Nutra Health 
L-Nutra notes that its food formulations effectively support metabolism, cell renewal and muscle protection by mimicking the reset and rejuvenation pathways of fasting. FMD has been developed over 25 years and involved in 32 clinical trials. 

Antoun adds: “With FMD, we have successfully enhanced the natural rejuvenating power of fasting with food, which has resulted in the regression and remission of diabetes within every patient’s reach.” 

He details that the L-Nutra Health program is “nutrition-based, drug-free and does not require everyday lifestyle changes.”

Earlier this year, research found that FMD may lower disease risk by reducing insulin resistance, liver fat, immune system aging and biological age. The researchers explained that the diet is designed to mimic water-only fasts but ensures the body receives essential nutrients. 

Meanwhile, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise globally, driving companies to find more effective and natural solutions to manage or prevent the disease. 

By Jolanda van Hal