Rousselot’s collagen peptides target GLP-1 boosters and companion products

In the growing GLP-1 space, Rousselot highlights how its collagen peptides support consumers in two market segments, either in complementing the medication or as natural boosters of metabolic wellness. 

Lauretta Katsriku, global category leader of Collagen at Rousselot, tells Nutrition Insight that GLP-1 medications are fundamentally changing how people eat and interact with nutrition as they are “here to stay.” 

“The market used to be viewed simply as GLP-1 products, but it’s actually two markets: GLP-1 boosting products for people who don’t want to take GLP-1 drugs but want similar benefits, and GLP-1 companion products for people who are on that journey and want to mitigate some of the side effects.”

As common side effects, she highlights gas, bloating, digestive discomfort, muscle loss, and bone loss.

Katsriku says Rousselot offers collagen peptides for each segment. Nextida GC helps the body produce its own GLP-1s and manage blood sugar, while Peptan addresses common drug side effects in gut, skin, and muscle health.

Multifunctional gelatin

Katsriku says Peptan has been clinically proven to support a variety of benefits, such as skin health, digestion, and muscle preservation.

“A survey we conducted last year showed that 40% of people on GLP-1 drugs experienced challenges in gut health, with gut discomfort being their primary challenge,” she details. “Peptan has been shown to support gut health, and we have studies to support that.”

She adds that Peptan also helps maintain muscle retention.

In addition, research indicates that Peptan supports skin elasticity, hydration, and skin density, says Katsriku. “One of the most visible challenges for people on GLP-1 drugs is the impact on their skin and facial features — what some call ‘Ozempic face,’ including sunken eyes.”

Katsriku says Rousselot’s Nextida GC has been clinically shown to support healthy blood glucose management and the body’s production of GLP-1.“We conducted a study comparing Peptan with a placebo and found that consumption of Peptan over time incrementally improved skin density in as little as two weeks, with benefits continuing to increase thereafter.”

Katsriku underscores that while many solutions on the market position themselves as GLP-1 companion products, they are often fragmented. For example, one solution supports digestion, another the skin, and a third muscle health.

“Not many products address multiple needs simultaneously. With Peptan, you have one product that can support several needs at once,” she adds.

“People on GLP-1 drugs can only eat very small amounts. You don’t want them taking five or six different products to address different side effects. They’re looking for one solution that can help support multiple needs.”

Metabolic wellness

Although different stages in life call for different support and solutions, Katsriku underscores that there are specific trends and needs that cut across all demographics.

“For example, one marker of metabolic health is blood sugar control. Regardless of demographic or age, we all need to manage our blood sugar levels.”

“One of our solutions, Nextida GC, has been clinically shown to support healthy blood glucose management as well as boost the body’s production of GLP-1,” she underscores.

At its 2025 Innovation Days, Rousselot’s Global Science and Innovation director detailed how the company connects nutritional science and consumer needs.Recently, Rousselot received a US patent for Nextida GC. The company positions it as a non-pharmaceutical option to help manage blood glucose.

Rousselot’s innovation process

As consumer needs are evolving, Katsriku says that it is crucial to stay observant of market trends and emerging consumer needs and develop products that meet those, ensuring products and innovation are rooted in science. “We’re already looking three to five years ahead at the next generation of products.”

“Our approach to innovation is consumer-led, science-backed, and market-ready. We ensure that all three elements align before bringing products to market.”

For example, she says that the company’s scientists are exploring ingredients for potential new benefits, while the company also monitors market trends and consumer demands.

“We know what will be next, in two years, and we project what is likely to emerge over the next three to five years, and we begin working on those opportunities early,” says Katsriku. “Then we uncover which aspects of our ingredients can help address those needs.”

“Innovation comes from different directions, but it is always rooted in science. Without scientific validation, we’re not going to launch a product simply because we think collagen can do something. We need evidence to support it.”