The Science Behind TAKE

Every ingredient in The Essentials was chosen for a reason. Not because it is trendy. Not because it is cheap. Because the research supports it specifically for people on GLP-1 medications. Here is what is inside and why it works.

Why Protein Is the Most Important Thing You Are Probably Not Getting Enough Of

Studies consistently show that 25 to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications is lean muscle mass, not fat. This is not a minor side effect. Muscle is metabolically active tissue. It burns calories at rest, stabilises blood glucose, and supports physical function. When you lose it, your resting metabolic rate drops, your weight loss slows, and your body composition gets measurably worse even as the number on the scale goes down.

The clinical research is clear on the solution: GLP-1 patients need 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to preserve lean mass during rapid weight loss. For a 75kg person that is between 90 and 120 grams of protein daily. With appetite suppressed by medication, hitting that target from food alone is extremely difficult. A single scoop of TAKE Nourish provides 20g of complete protein in under 200 calories, with zero digestive disruption.

Tendra® Fava Bean Protein Isolate: TAKE Nourish

Fava bean protein offers a complete amino acid profile with exceptional digestibility, critically important when GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying and compromise protein absorption. Tendra® is a proprietary isolate that delivers clean protein without the bloating or digestive discomfort associated with whey or traditional plant proteins. For people who need maximum protein from minimum volume, it is the superior choice.

YESTEIN™ Fermented Nutritional Yeast Protein: TAKE Nourish

Fermentation pre-digests proteins into more bioavailable forms. YESTEIN™ uses a controlled fermentation process to break down yeast protein into peptides that absorb faster and more completely than conventional sources, a meaningful advantage when digestive capacity is reduced on GLP-1s. It also provides naturally occurring B-vitamins that support energy metabolism at the cellular level.

MAKTREK® Bi-Pass Technology: TAKE Flora

Most probiotics are destroyed by stomach acid before they reach the intestine. MAKTREK® is a patented marine polysaccharide delivery system that encapsulates each probiotic strain in a double-layered protection matrix, surviving the acidic environment of the stomach and delivering live bacteria directly to the gut where they are needed. Studies show conventional probiotics can lose up to 90% of their viable cultures before reaching the colon. MAKTREK® eliminates that loss.

Ashwagandha and 5-HTP: TAKE Rest

When food intake drops substantially, tryptophan availability falls, which directly reduces serotonin synthesis. Lower serotonin means disrupted mood, elevated anxiety, and compromised sleep onset. 5-HTP bypasses this gap entirely. It is a direct precursor to serotonin that does not depend on dietary tryptophan.

Ashwagandha addresses the other half of the sleep problem: elevated cortisol. Rapid weight loss and caloric restriction both trigger cortisol responses in the body. Elevated cortisol at night is the primary reason GLP-1 patients lie awake despite physical exhaustion. Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated ashwagandha's ability to reduce serum cortisol levels by 20 to 30% with consistent daily use.

Melatonin and Magnesium Citrate: TAKE Rest

TAKE Rest delivers 5mg of melatonin per capsule at one-capsule serving, consistent with the research literature's effective range for sleep onset support. Magnesium Citrate is chosen specifically over Magnesium Oxide because of its significantly superior bioavailability and its role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the physiological state required for deep, restorative sleep.

Creatine Monohydrate: TAKE Build

Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most extensively researched performance ingredients in existence, with over 500 peer-reviewed studies supporting its efficacy and safety. For people on GLP-1 medications, it addresses one of the most consequential risks of rapid weight loss: muscle loss alongside fat loss. At 5,000mg per serving, TAKE Build delivers a full clinical dose supporting muscle strength, cellular hydration, and recovery. Used alongside TAKE Nourish, it provides comprehensive lean mass protection throughout the weight loss journey.

Electrolyte Complex: TAKE Hydrate and TAKE Build

Electrolyte depletion on GLP-1 medications is under-discussed but clinically significant. Both TAKE Hydrate and TAKE Build deliver a targeted electrolyte blend including Sodium, Magnesium, and Potassium. Magnesium Malate is specifically chosen over Magnesium Oxide because of its superior absorption and its role in ATP energy production.

sh-Polypeptides (EGF, bFGF, IGF-1): TAKE Regrowth

Bioengineered signal peptides that communicate directly with hair follicle cells. sh-Polypeptide-1 stimulates cell regeneration. sh-Polypeptide-9 promotes blood flow to the scalp and follicle survival. sh-Polypeptide-11 extends the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Together they address the three primary mechanisms of GLP-1-related hair loss.

Rosemary Extract: TAKE Regrowth

A landmark 2015 clinical trial published in SKINmed Journal found rosemary oil to be as effective as 2% minoxidil for increasing hair count after six months, without the scalp itching and side effects. Rosemary works by inhibiting DHT binding to receptors and improving scalp microcirculation.

Psyllium Husk Seed Powder: TAKE Flow

With 3,000mg per sachet, TAKE Flow delivers a clinically relevant dose of soluble fiber that softens stool, slows glucose absorption, and promotes healthy bowel transit, directly countering the constipation caused by GLP-1-induced delayed gastric emptying.

B-Vitamin Complex: TAKE Hydrate and TAKE Complete

B12 deficiency affects an estimated 30% of long-term GLP-1 users. Both TAKE Hydrate and TAKE Complete deliver the full B-vitamin spectrum at doses that meaningfully address this risk, with B12 dosed at 1125% DV in Complete.

Chromium Picolinate: TAKE Complete

At 343% DV, TAKE Complete delivers a therapeutic dose of chromium that enhances insulin sensitivity and supports healthy blood glucose regulation, one of the most evidence-supported micronutrients for GLP-1 patients managing metabolic health alongside weight loss.

Saw Palmetto: TAKE Regrowth and TAKE Complete

Saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the primary hormonal driver of pattern hair loss. Present in both Regrowth (topical) and Complete (systemic) for comprehensive coverage.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. TAKE products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The science referenced here describes the mechanisms of individual ingredients as supported by published research. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.