HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) has announced it will launch a new GLP-1 companion ingredient at Vitafoods Europe 2026.
The company will be exhibiting at stand #5A14, where visitors can view the new ingredient, Leanara, which the company describes as a dual-effect companion ingredient designed to help consumers on their GLP-1 journey by supporting muscle mass and energy levels.
HTBA said it will also showcase its broader portfolio of health ingredients at the show.
"Interest in GLP1 weight loss therapies is already booming in the USA and the ripple effect is reaching Europe now too, with an estimated 4.9 million British adults having recently used or expressed interest in GLP-1 medications," said Tom D'Hoore, Chief Commercial Officer at HTBA.
"While these therapies can deliver significant reductions in body weight, research suggests that 40-60% of this loss may come from lean muscle mass if not actively managed."
This is where functional foods and supplements can play a key role, helping GLP-1 users maintain strength and vitality throughout their weight loss journey.
HTBA said that it developed Leanara to address this growing need.
The ingredient is a dual-effect companion ingredient that combines proprietary bioflavonoids with highly bioavailable vitamin B12 to support lean muscle development and reduce fatigue, all while optimising metabolism.
For brands, this represents an exciting opportunity to explore new GLP-1 companion supplement formulations that "go beyond weight loss to deliver sustainable health outcomes."
HTBA will further spotlight the market opportunity at Vitafoods Europe in its presentation, "Beyond weight loss: protect lean muscle and energy for GLP-1 users," taking place on Tuesday, 5 May, from 4:00 PM to 4:25 PM at the New Ingredients Theatre (3D258).
Dr Teresa Pellicer, Biotechnology Manager at HTBA, will explore the physiological challenges associated with GLP-1 use and explain the science behind Leanara, demonstrating how targeted nutritional support can help preserve muscle integrity, reduce fatigue and maintain metabolic health during weight-loss journeys.
Alongside Leanara, HTBA will spotlight MecobalActive, a bioidentical, active form of vitamin B12 for cognitive and physical performance and DiosVein Forte, a micronised flavonoid fraction developed to support vascular health, circulation and leg comfort.
Visitors are invited to experience the benefits of HTBA's functional health ingredients first-hand with tasting samples on the stand (#5A14), including: Leanara mango-flavoured powder sticks, MecobalActive cherry-flavoured chewable tablets and DiosVein Forte mandarin-flavoured gummies.
"Vitafoods Europe is an ideal platform to introduce Leanara to the industry and demonstrate how it sits within our wider portfolio of nature-led, science-backed functional health solutions," added D'Hoore.
Together with MecobalActive and DiosVein Forte, we're excited to introduce Leanara to our new and existing partners at this year’s exhibition and we look forward to exploring co-creation opportunities to inspire the future of health and nutrition.