iHUT Observational Study of an Amino Acid–Based Oral Nutrition Blend for Hyperglycemia

Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, constitute a growing global public health burden. Dietary regulation of glycemic health is a key strategy for their prevention and management. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2024, an estimated 589 million adults (11.1%) worldwide were living with diabetes, a number projected to increase to 853 million by 2050. Prediabetes is similarly prevalent, affecting approximately 635 million individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and 488 million with impaired fasting glucose [1]. Type 2 diabetes accounts for >90% of cases and reflects insulin resistance with progressive β-cell dysfunction; management starts with lifestyle change, followed by oral therapy (often metformin) and add-on agents if targets are unmet. Many therapies and supplements lower HbA1C by ~0.5-2.0%, but newer options (e.g., GLP-1 agents) may be costly, require continued use, and cause side effects, prompting interest in simple nutritional approaches.

Amino acid-based oral nutrition blend is a pre-market therapeutic nutritional supplement manufactured in the United States (VARAN Nutrition LLC, Marlton, NJ) intended to help moderate blood glucose; this case study assessed whether daily amino acid-based oral nutrition blend improves glycemic control in hyperglycemic individuals as assessed by measurement of HbA1C to inform a confirmatory clinical study. Amino acid-based oral nutrition blend is a specialized formula crafted with a proprietary ratio of clinically studied amino acids and a protein blend. Amino acid-based oral nutrition blend contains a select group of amino acids: valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, arginine, glycine, alanine, and a dairy protein preferably whey protein. The blend is naturally flavored and lightly sweetened for a clean refreshing taste. The role of amino acids and whey protein on the postprandial glucose metabolism, insulin kinetics, and glycemic control is extensively studied and documented [2,3]. and shown to have beneficial effects in modulating insulin secretion, improving insulin resistance, and moderating postprandial glucose levels thereby having a positive impact on hyperglycemic individuals.

The study was coordinated by a certified Physician Assistant at Hometown Medical (NC, USA). VARAN Nutrition LLC (Marlton, NJ, USA) provided the amino acid-based oral nutrition blend* (VARAN formula no: V25-MB) and HbA1C test kits. The ingredients used in amino acid-based oral nutrition blend are listed in (Table 1). Eleven adults (male and female) aged ≥35 years with hyperglycemia and baseline HbA1C 7.0-10.5% were recruited. Participants were using insulin and/or oral anti-hyperglycemic medications and continued their usual regimens during amino acid-based oral nutrition blend supplementation under the Physician Assistant’s care. Participants took an ~ 11 g amino acid-based oral nutrition blend in 8 oz of water daily, 30 minutes before their main meal. No changes were made to diet or physical activity. HbA1C was measured at baseline, in weeks 4 and 12. Participants received standardized instructions for scheduled visits, supplement use, and contacting study staff with questions or concerns.

Table 1:Amino Acid-Based Oral Nutrition Blend.

Glycemic response (HbA1C as an outcome) measured and expressed as %HbA1C (USA reporting standard) and results are shown in Figures 1A &1B, and Figures 2A&2B. Glycemic response (HbA1C) decreased in both men and women after initiating amino acid-based oral nutrition blend supplementation, with changes observed by week 4 in all participants (Figures 1A &1B). At week 12, mean HbA1C change was-2.1% in men and-1.4% in women, for an overall mean change of-1.8% across the group (Figures 2A & 2B). Notably, two participants showed a significant HbA1C decrease in week 4 but returned to baseline by week 12. No side effects were reported.

In this 12-week observational study, daily amino acid-based oral nutrition blend supplementation was associated with a significant improvement in glycemic response (lowered HbA1C) in hyperglycemic individuals. Further confirmatory clinical studies are planned to verify these results and any associated benefits with neuropathy and cardiovascular co-morbidities through nutritional intervention.

The authors thank all participants and lab personnel involved in the conduct of this study.

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The study was funded by VARAN Nutrition LLC.

VARAN’s amino-acid-based oral nutritional product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including type 2 diabetes. The observations described here in have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. Findings are based on an individual observational experience and may not be predictive of results in broader populations. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to diet, nutrition, or treatment regimens.

1. Bruce B Duncan, Dianna J Magliano, Edward J Boyko (2025) IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th edition 2025: global prevalence and projections for 2050. Nephrol Dial Transplant 41(1): 7-9.
2. Bart van Sloun, Gijs H Goossens, Balazs Erdos, Michael Lenz, Natal van Riel, et al. (2020) The impact of Amino Acids on Post prandial Glucose and Insulin Kinetics in Humans: A Quantitative Overview. Nutrients 12(10): 3211.
3. Gavin Connolly, Yu Wang, Robert E Bergia, Eric M Davis, Adam W Byers, et al. (2023) Whey Protein Supplementation and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors: An Umbrella Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Dev Nutr 7(12): 102017.