Researchers tested a new supplement called pA1c®HI on 17 people with obesity to see if it could help their bodies handle blood sugar better. Half the group took the supplement daily for 12 weeks while the other half took a fake pill. The people taking the real supplement showed improvements in their blood sugar levels, weight, and blood pressure compared to those taking the fake pill. While the study was small and early-stage, the results suggest this supplement might help people with obesity manage their metabolism and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new supplement called pA1c®HI could improve how the body controls blood sugar and manages weight in people with obesity
  • Who participated: 17 adults with obesity, some of whom also had prediabetes (early warning signs of diabetes). Participants were randomly assigned to take either the supplement or a placebo (fake pill) for 12 weeks
  • Key finding: People taking pA1c®HI showed a meaningful drop in HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over time) compared to placebo. They also lost more weight, reduced body fat, and lowered their blood pressure
  • What it means for you: This early research suggests pA1c®HI may help people with obesity better control their blood sugar and lose weight, potentially reducing diabetes risk. However, this is a very small pilot study, so more research with larger groups is needed before drawing firm conclusions

The Research Details

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study—which is the gold standard for testing new treatments. “Randomized” means participants were randomly assigned to either the supplement or placebo group. “Double-blind” means neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement, preventing bias. The study lasted 12 weeks, with measurements taken at the beginning and end.

Participants took one capsule daily containing pA1c®HI (a postbiotic—a type of supplement made from beneficial bacteria) or a matching placebo. Researchers measured body weight, fat percentage, blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure before and after the intervention.

The researchers used statistical tests to determine whether differences between groups were due to the supplement or just random chance.

This study design is important because it helps rule out placebo effects and bias. By randomly assigning people and keeping everyone blind to their assignment, researchers can be more confident that any improvements came from the supplement itself, not from expectations or other factors. The 12-week duration allows enough time to see meaningful changes in metabolism and body composition.

Strengths: This was a properly controlled study with random assignment and blinding, which are important for reliability. Weaknesses: The sample size was very small (only 17 people), which limits how much we can trust the results. Small studies are prone to random variation and may not represent larger populations. This is labeled a “pilot” study, meaning it’s preliminary research meant to test whether a larger study is worthwhile. The findings are promising but not definitive.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that people taking pA1c®HI showed a statistically significant improvement in HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over 2-3 months), dropping by 0.22% compared to placebo. This may seem small, but even small improvements in HbA1c can reduce diabetes risk.

People in the supplement group also lost more weight and body fat than those taking placebo, though these differences didn’t quite reach statistical significance in the full group. Their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) dropped by about 9 points more than in the placebo group—a meaningful improvement.

When researchers looked specifically at the 8 participants with prediabetes, the supplement group showed larger improvements in blood sugar, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, though these were not statistically significant due to the small subgroup size.

The supplement group also showed improvements in cholesterol-related measurements and body composition, with more loss of fat and preservation of muscle compared to placebo.

Beyond blood sugar control, the supplement appeared to help with weight management and body composition. People taking pA1c®HI lost about 1.55 kg more weight and 1.95 kg more fat mass than the placebo group. They also maintained or gained more lean muscle mass, which is important for metabolism. Blood pressure improvements were notable, particularly the diastolic pressure reduction, which could have cardiovascular benefits.

This is one of the first human studies testing pA1c®HI specifically. Postbiotics (products made from beneficial bacteria) are a newer category of supplements that have shown promise in animal studies and a few small human studies for improving metabolism and gut health. This research adds to growing evidence that postbiotics may help with glucose control and weight management, though most previous research has been in animals or very small groups.

The biggest limitation is the very small sample size of only 17 people—this is too small to draw firm conclusions. Results could change significantly with a larger group. The study was only 12 weeks long, so we don’t know if benefits continue or fade over time. The study didn’t measure gut bacteria changes or other mechanisms that might explain how the supplement works. Some improvements (like weight loss and fat reduction) didn’t reach statistical significance, meaning they could have been due to chance. The study didn’t track diet and exercise, which could have influenced results.

The Bottom Line

Based on this preliminary research, pA1c®HI shows promise for helping with blood sugar control and weight management in people with obesity (moderate confidence level). However, this is early-stage research, and larger, longer studies are needed before making strong recommendations. If you have obesity or prediabetes, discuss this supplement with your doctor before trying it. It should not replace proven treatments like diet, exercise, and medication if prescribed.

This research is most relevant to adults with obesity, especially those with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. People interested in natural approaches to metabolic health may find this interesting. However, people taking diabetes medications should talk to their doctor before trying new supplements, as they could interact. This research is not yet applicable to children, pregnant women, or people with other medical conditions.

In this study, meaningful improvements in blood sugar appeared within 12 weeks. However, weight loss and other benefits may take longer to develop. Realistic expectations: if this supplement works for you, you might see improvements in blood sugar markers within 8-12 weeks, but full benefits for weight loss could take 3-6 months or longer. Individual results will vary significantly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track HbA1c levels (via blood tests every 3 months) and fasting blood sugar (daily if you have a glucose monitor). Also track weight weekly and waist circumference monthly to monitor body composition changes
  • If using this supplement, log daily intake in your app and pair it with consistent diet and exercise tracking. Set reminders for daily supplementation and schedule regular blood pressure checks to monitor cardiovascular improvements
  • Create a 12-week tracking period with check-ins at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Monitor blood sugar metrics, weight trends, and blood pressure. If available, track energy levels and appetite changes. After 12 weeks, review trends with your healthcare provider to decide whether to continue

This research is preliminary and based on a very small study of only 17 people. The findings are promising but not yet conclusive. Do not use this supplement as a replacement for proven diabetes treatments or medical advice from your doctor. If you have obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, or take medications affecting blood sugar, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications and may interact with other drugs. Individual results vary significantly. This summary is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.