Study analysis · Diabetes · 2024
This $50 plant pill dropped blood sugar in just 8 weeks—but here's the catch.
A daily plant-based pill helped 19 people with prediabetes lower their blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and boost good gut bacteria.
Overview
What the study found
The study in plain English — the bottom line, every takeaway we extracted, and what to do with them.
In simple terms
This study just watched what happened to 19 people after they took a supplement, but didn't compare them to anyone who didn't take it. So we can't say the supplement caused the changes — maybe they just happened on their own.
What’s the bottom line?
A daily plant-based pill called TOTUM-63 was given to 19 people with higher risk for heart disease and diabetes to see if it helps their body.
How strong is this study?
This study isn't well-designed because there was no group that didn't take the supplement to compare results with. That's like saying a new toy made you happier, but not checking if you'd be just as happy without it. Without that comparison, we can't trust the results.
0 / 100
- COI disclosureconflicts of interest not disclosed
- Data availabilitydata not shared
- Code availabilitycode not shared
0 / 100
- Randomizationnot randomized
- Blindingnot blinded
- Control groupno control group
- Sample sizeno sample size reported
- Follow-upno follow-up reported
100 / 100
0 / 100
- P-valuesno p-values reported
- Effect sizeno effect size reported
- Confidence intervalsno confidence intervals
- Pre-registrationnot pre-registered
Each component is scored out of 100 and then capped by the study design — a case series cannot reach the ceiling a randomised trial can, however well it is reported.
Where it sits
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 520 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
This design cannot establish causation — the findings describe an association, not a cause. Study type cannot be determined with confidence due to unclear randomization, blinding, and control group status. Without confirmed randomization and control, causation cannot be established.
Major COI
Major conflicts that significantly reduce study credibility
The study evaluates TOTUM-63, a plant-based polyphenol product, with multiple authors affiliated with institutions potentially linked to its commercial development; however, funding sources and industry ties are not disclosed, raising concerns about undisclosed industry influence.
Conflict Details
Unknown: Study evaluates TOTUM-63, a proprietary polyphenol formulation; authors' institutional affiliations suggest potential ties to product development, but no explicit funding or employment disclosures are provided.
The study is highly likely industry-funded given the proprietary nature of TOTUM-63 and the absence of any funding or COI disclosure. The lack of transparency raises significant bias concerns. Authors' affiliations include multiple European institutions, but no conflict of interest statement is visible in the provided text. The product is commercially branded, suggesting industry sponsorship. Independent analysis safeguards are not mentioned.
Key takeaways
- 01
After 8 weeks, their HbA1c dropped from 5.5% to 5.3%, inflammation (hs-CRP) went down from 3.3 to 2.5 mg/L, and gut bacteria diversity increased.
- 02
After one dose, blood sugar spikes after meals also dropped.
- 03
These changes are small but statistically meaningful — they suggest the pill may help manage blood sugar and inflammation, which are key for preventing diabetes and heart disease.
Surprising findings
- A single dose reduced GIP levels, which typically rise after eating to stimulate insulin.Most people assume supplements boost insulin to lower sugar—but this one *reduced* GIP, suggesting it may blunt the body’s insulin response, which is counterintuitive.
- The supplement increased PYY, a satiety hormone, while lowering inflammation and glucose.It’s rare to see one intervention improve satiety, reduce inflammation, *and* lower blood sugar—all at once—without weight loss.
Practical takeaways
If you have prediabetes or high triglycerides, consider trying TOTUM-63 under medical supervision—especially if you struggle with diet changes.
This was a tiny, industry-funded study with no control group—results may not be replicable, and long-term safety is unknown.
low confidenceUse this as motivation to eat more diverse plants—since the pill may work by mimicking polyphenol-rich diets.
The pill costs money; whole foods are cheaper and come with fiber, vitamins, and no conflicts of interest.
medium confidenceWhy this study matters
Blood Sugar Drop in Just 8 Weeks
After 8 weeks of taking 5g of TOTUM-63 daily, participants saw their HbA1c drop from 5.5% to 5.3% (p=0.005)—a small but statistically significant change that could reduce diabetes risk over time.
Most people think you need diet changes or meds to lower HbA1c—this suggests a simple supplement might help too, especially for those with prediabetes.
Gut Bacteria Got More Diverse
The supplement increased gut microbiota α-diversity by p=0.003—meaning more types of beneficial bacteria were present after 8 weeks.
Gut health is trendy, but few supplements prove they actually boost diversity—this is one of the few studies showing it with real sequencing data.
One Dose Lowered Post-Meal Sugar Spikes
Even a single dose of TOTUM-63 reduced post-meal glucose peaks (p=0.03) and lowered GIP—a hormone that triggers insulin release—by p=0.01.
Most supplements don’t work instantly, but this one acted within hours—making it a potential 'mealtime hack' for blood sugar control.
Big Lipid Improvements Too
Triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol all dropped significantly (p<0.05), and the total-C/HDL ratio improved—key markers for heart disease risk.
This isn’t just about sugar—it’s a full metabolic reset: better blood sugar, less inflammation, healthier fats—all from one pill.
Want the whole report?
Detailed mode opens the full scientific breakdown — every score component, the methodology, conflicts of interest, the evidence analysis behind each claim, and the raw study data.
Overview
What the study found
The study in plain English — the bottom line, every takeaway we extracted, and what to do with them.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
A daily plant-based pill called TOTUM-63 was given to 19 people with higher risk for heart disease and diabetes to see if it helps their body.
Research results
After 8 weeks, their HbA1c dropped from 5.5% to 5.3%, inflammation (hs-CRP) went down from 3.3 to 2.5 mg/L, and gut bacteria diversity increased. After one dose, blood sugar spikes after meals also dropped.
What this means - more context
These changes are small but statistically meaningful — they suggest the pill may help manage blood sugar and inflammation, which are key for preventing diabetes and heart disease.
This study investigates whether TOTUM-63, a plant-based polyphenol supplement, improves metabolic health and gut microbiota diversity in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk.
In 19 adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk, 8 weeks of daily 5g TOTUM-63 supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c, hs-CRP, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and improved gut microbiota α-diversity. Acute dosing also reduced postprandial glucose and GIP levels.
Methods Used
Single-arm, open-label clinical trial with 19 participants; daily 5g TOTUM-63 capsules for 8 weeks; measurements taken at baseline, after acute dose, and post-intervention; gut microbiota analyzed via metagenomic sequencing; metabolic markers assessed via fasting and 6-hour postprandial blood sampling.
Main Finding
TOTUM-63 significantly reduced HbA1c from 5.5% to 5.3% (p=0.005), hs-CRP from 3.3 to 2.5 mg/L (p=0.01), and increased gut microbiota α-diversity (p=0.003), alongside improvements in lipid profiles and postprandial glucose/insulin responses.
Confidence Level
Low to moderate; findings are statistically significant but limited by small sample size (n=19), lack of control group, and potential bias from industry-funded open-label design.
Study Flags
Red Flags
- •No control group
- •Small sample size (n=19)
- •Industry-funded with multiple author conflicts of interest
Surprising Findings
A single dose reduced GIP levels, which typically rise after eating to stimulate insulin.
Most people assume supplements boost insulin to lower sugar—but this one *reduced* GIP, suggesting it may blunt the body’s insulin response, which is counterintuitive.
Practical Takeaways
If you have prediabetes or high triglycerides, consider trying TOTUM-63 under medical supervision—especially if you struggle with diet changes.
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 520 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Subject
Lower probability
on the GRADE evidence scale
This study just watched what happened to 19 people after they took a supplement, but didn't compare them to anyone who didn't take it. So we can't say the supplement caused the changes — maybe they just happened on their own.
Major conflicts — industry funding with significant control over the research. Reporting score and overall score cap have been reduced.
Weaknesses
- Study type cannot be confirmed as RCT due to unclear randomization
- No control group present
- Open-label design without blinding
Methodology
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
A daily plant-based pill called TOTUM-63 was given to 19 people with higher risk for heart disease and diabetes to see if it helps their body.
Research results
After 8 weeks, their HbA1c dropped from 5.5% to 5.3%, inflammation (hs-CRP) went down from 3.3 to 2.5 mg/L, and gut bacteria diversity increased. After one dose, blood sugar spikes after meals also dropped.
What this means - more context
These changes are small but statistically meaningful — they suggest the pill may help manage blood sugar and inflammation, which are key for preventing diabetes and heart disease.
This study investigates whether TOTUM-63, a plant-based polyphenol supplement, improves metabolic health and gut microbiota diversity in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk.
In 19 adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk, 8 weeks of daily 5g TOTUM-63 supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c, hs-CRP, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and improved gut microbiota α-diversity. Acute dosing also reduced postprandial glucose and GIP levels.
Methods Used
Single-arm, open-label clinical trial with 19 participants; daily 5g TOTUM-63 capsules for 8 weeks; measurements taken at baseline, after acute dose, and post-intervention; gut microbiota analyzed via metagenomic sequencing; metabolic markers assessed via fasting and 6-hour postprandial blood sampling.
Main Finding
TOTUM-63 significantly reduced HbA1c from 5.5% to 5.3% (p=0.005), hs-CRP from 3.3 to 2.5 mg/L (p=0.01), and increased gut microbiota α-diversity (p=0.003), alongside improvements in lipid profiles and postprandial glucose/insulin responses.
Confidence Level
Low to moderate; findings are statistically significant but limited by small sample size (n=19), lack of control group, and potential bias from industry-funded open-label design.
Study Flags
Red Flags
- •No control group
- •Small sample size (n=19)
- •Industry-funded with multiple author conflicts of interest
Surprising Findings
A single dose reduced GIP levels, which typically rise after eating to stimulate insulin.
Most people assume supplements boost insulin to lower sugar—but this one *reduced* GIP, suggesting it may blunt the body’s insulin response, which is counterintuitive.
Practical Takeaways
If you have prediabetes or high triglycerides, consider trying TOTUM-63 under medical supervision—especially if you struggle with diet changes.
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 520 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Subject
Lower probability
on the GRADE evidence scale
This study just watched what happened to 19 people after they took a supplement, but didn't compare them to anyone who didn't take it. So we can't say the supplement caused the changes — maybe they just happened on their own.
Major conflicts — industry funding with significant control over the research. Reporting score and overall score cap have been reduced.
Weaknesses
- Study type cannot be confirmed as RCT due to unclear randomization
- No control group present
- Open-label design without blinding
Methodology
Scoring
How strong is this study?
This study isn't well-designed because there was no group that didn't take the supplement to compare results with. That's like saying a new toy made you happier, but not checking if you'd be just as happy without it. Without that comparison, we can't trust the results.
0 / 100
- COI disclosureconflicts of interest not disclosed
- Data availabilitydata not shared
- Code availabilitycode not shared
0 / 100
- Randomizationnot randomized
- Blindingnot blinded
- Control groupno control group
- Sample sizeno sample size reported
- Follow-upno follow-up reported
100 / 100
0 / 100
- P-valuesno p-values reported
- Effect sizeno effect size reported
- Confidence intervalsno confidence intervals
- Pre-registrationnot pre-registered
Each component is scored out of 100 and then capped by the study design — a case series cannot reach the ceiling a randomised trial can, however well it is reported.
Where it sits
RCT reviewsReviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized TrialsRandomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort StudiesReviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort StudiesCohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control StudiesReviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control StudiesCase-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case SeriesCross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert OpinionExpert Opinion
Max 520 / 100
Probability of being correct
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
This design cannot establish causation — the findings describe an association, not a cause. Study type cannot be determined with confidence due to unclear randomization, blinding, and control group status. Without confirmed randomization and control, causation cannot be established.
Major COI
Major conflicts that significantly reduce study credibility
The study evaluates TOTUM-63, a plant-based polyphenol product, with multiple authors affiliated with institutions potentially linked to its commercial development; however, funding sources and industry ties are not disclosed, raising concerns about undisclosed industry influence.
Conflict Details
Unknown: Study evaluates TOTUM-63, a proprietary polyphenol formulation; authors' institutional affiliations suggest potential ties to product development, but no explicit funding or employment disclosures are provided.
The study is highly likely industry-funded given the proprietary nature of TOTUM-63 and the absence of any funding or COI disclosure. The lack of transparency raises significant bias concerns. Authors' affiliations include multiple European institutions, but no conflict of interest statement is visible in the provided text. The product is commercially branded, suggesting industry sponsorship. Independent analysis safeguards are not mentioned.
Standing
Who’s using this study?
The videos and claims on this site that lean on this study, and the researchers who wrote it.
1 video from Big Think Clips cite this study, drawing 1 claim from it.
- Very strong evidence
Randomized or controlled trials support this claim, alongside consistent supporting evidence.
Evidence
Authored by
18 researchersIf this is your work, this is how we attribute it on Fit Body Science. Annie Bouchard‐Mercier is listed as the lead author.