Animal study · Supplements / medicine · 3 Nov 2026
A Cell Metabolism letter questions whether a fasting GLP-1 level shows how many gut L-cells a person has
Source: Cell Metabolism
What the research found
On 3 November 2026 Cell Metabolism published a letter from Cong Xie, Tongzhi Wu, and colleagues about a hepatocyte study from Ye and colleagues. The letter says liver-derived alkaline phosphatase can, in experimental fatty-liver models, hold intestinal stem cells back from becoming L-cells that release GLP-1 and peptide YY. The letter adds that a fasting GLP-1 level in people may not count those cells, and that the alkaline phosphatase relationship may differ by population. The study authors replied the same day that they agree a fasting GLP-1 level is not a stand-in for L-cell number or for incretin function. This is a letter exchange, not a new trial. GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are prescribed medicines. They are not a substitute for that care, and this letter is not a reason to start, stop, or swap any medicine. Off-label use is clinician-only. Not medical advice.
Evidence level: Animal study. Results in animals or cells often don't carry over to people.
Not medical advice. Not a substitute for a prescribed medicine. Off-label prescription use is clinician-only. VitaLonga does not diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Never start, stop, or replace a prescription with a supplement on the basis of a headline.
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