Glucose Disposal Agents (GDAs) are designed to help support healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity by enhancing the body’s ability to use glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that is a primary energy source for the brain and body.
No matter what type of carbohydrate you consume, whether complex or simple except for some fibers, they are eventually broken down into glucose by the digestive system. Glucose not used for energy or maintaining blood sugar levels, is stored in the liver and skeletal muscle as glycogen. For this to occur, the pancreas will secrete insulin, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and overall metabolism.
If blood sugar levels are low or energy demands are high, the stored glycogen can be converted back to glucose for energy use. If the liver and muscle glycogen levels are full, the excess glucose will be stored as body fat. Insulin further promotes fat storage by inhibiting the breakdown of stored fat.
With that said, insulin is an essential hormone for overall health. It’s normal for the body to secrete it in response to elevated blood sugar levels after consuming carbohydrates. However, the key to optimal health and performance is maintaining insulin sensitivity which measures how well your body’s cells respond to insulin. Poor insulin sensitivity can lead to many metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
There are a variety of lifestyle changes you can implement to improve insulin sensitivity such as:
- Exercise - Especially a combination of cardiovascular and strength training.
- Sleep - Getting an adequate amount of sleep.
- BMI (Body Mass Index) - Maintaining a healthy body fat level.
- Protein - Eating a high-protein diet.
From a supplemental standpoint, this is where glucose disposal agents can be very helpful in enhancing or maintaining insulin sensitivity. Whether you’re trying to lose fat, build muscle, or maximize your performance, GDAs paired with high-carbohydrate meals can support muscle glycogen replenishment, recovery, pumps, energy, and performance. Thus, supporting your body composition and performance goals.
GDA+ was first launched over five years ago. With advancements in sports nutrition, we took it upon ourselves to completely reformulate the product to give you the best results. Furthermore, it looks new and uses clear vegetable capsules for easier digestion.
Keep reading to learn more about the new formula and how to use it optimally.
Ingredient Breakdown
Every serving, or 2 veggie capsules, of GDA+, contains the following ingredients:
Chromium Picolinate - 600mcg
Chromium picolinate is an essential trace mineral that combines chromium with picolinic acid. It’s often touted for its ability to help support weight loss, insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, and blood sugar control. More research is needed to understand chromium’s mechanism of action, but it’s known to enhance insulin and promote the transportation of glucose into insulin-sensitive tissues.
Chromium is included in this formula to assist in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, reduce cravings, and support energy production.
Banaba Leaf Extract (std. 2% Corosolic Acid) - 500mg
Banaba leaf extract, derived from the Lagerstroemia speciosa tree, offers several potential health benefits such as improved weight management, blood glucose control, digestive health, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol management. It also serves as a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it helps combat oxidative stress throughout the body.
Thanks to its corosolic acid content, banaba leaf is primarily used to help manage blood glucose levels. Corosolic acid is a natural compound that may increase insulin sensitivity by facilitating glucose uptake by cells. Furthermore, it can help aid weight loss by promoting the utilization of glucose and fats for energy.
Cinnamon Bark Powder - 500mg
Cinnamon is one of the most well-known spices in the world. Beyond its use in the kitchen, people often supplement with cinnamon thanks to its high antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Cinnamon bark powder is included in GDA+ because evidence suggests it can help lower insulin resistance and promote blood sugar control overall.
Interestingly, cinnamon can reduce the amount of sugar that enters the bloodstream after a meal by interfering with various digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, cinnamon may mimic insulin, which will improve the uptake of glucose into the cells.
GlucoVantage® (Dihydroberberine) - 200mg
The most notable new ingredient in GDA+ is GlucoVantage® from NNB Nutrition. Also known as the super berberine, GlucoVantage® is the first commercially available brand of Dihydroberberine (DHB).
DHB is an active metabolite of berberine that’s been shown to be five times more bioavailable and two times longer lasting than standard berberine. This allows you to get the same benefits with a much lower dose! DHB doesn’t seem to cause gastrointestinal issues as regular berberine does.
Here are just some of the GlucoVantage® has to offer:
- Improves insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate tolerance, supporting healthy blood glucose levels.
- Supports body composition, by driving carbohydrates to muscle rather than fat.
- Supports anti-aging by reducing glycation end-products correlated with biological aging.
In summary, GlucoVantage® is a powerhouse ingredient that is significantly more effective than other sources of berberine.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - 100mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing antioxidant naturally found in the mitochondria. ALA is involved in energy production and helps scavenge reactive oxygen species. ALA has been studied for its effects on blood glucose regulation, particularly in individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Research shows that ALA may improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, convert glucose into energy, improve overall glycemic control, and reduce fasting blood glucose levels. Further research is needed to understand ALA’s mechanism of action. However, it shows promising results for assisting with blood glucose regulation.
Suggested Use
Take 1-2 capsules of GDA+ 15-30 minutes before, or no more than 30 minutes after, consuming a moderate to high carbohydrate meal. We recommend taking 1 capsules with meals containing 30-50 grams of carbohydrates and 2 capsules with meals containing 50+ grams of carbohydrates.
There’s no need to use GDA+ with meals containing less than 25 grams of carbohydrates. Do not use more than 4 capsules in 24 hours. As always, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before taking dietary supplements.