Metabolism Support in Midlife: What the Research Says About These 3 Supplements

The following are the supplements recommended by my amazing compounding pharmacist at Pure Scripts. She suggests adding these for patients using low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for weight loss, so I decided to dig in and find out what the data says. While none of these are magic pills, each may offer meaningful support for metabolism, blood sugar regulation, appetite, or gut health—especially during perimenopause and menopause, when weight loss often becomes more challenging.

1. CM Core (OrthoMolecular)

Key ingredients: Berberine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C,

Approximate cost: $50/month

CM Core is a metabolic support blend designed to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism—two major issues many midlife women face.

Berberine

• Shown to lower blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—a key enzyme involved in energy regulation, fat oxidation, and glucose control.

• May also stimulate GLP-1, a hormone involved in satiety and blood sugar balance.

Berberine has been used safely in doses up to 1.5 grams daily and may also support liver function and gut health.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

• A powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial energy production and carbohydrate metabolism.

• Increases adiponectin and decreases leptin, both of which regulate appetite and fat storage.

• May reduce fat thickness, enhance energy expenditure, and support healthy insulin signaling.

This combination may make CM Core an excellent choice for patients with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or midlife weight gain that hasn’t responded to lifestyle change alone.

2. Akkermansia (Pendulum)

Key ingredients: Akkermansia muciniphila + Inulin (prebiotic fiber)

Approximate cost: $30/month

This targeted probiotic is designed to support gut lining health and metabolic balance. While clinical research on Akkermansia muciniphila in humans is still limited, Pendulum’s formulation includes inulin, a well-studied prebiotic fiber.

What we know about inulin:

• Constipation: Inulin modestly improves stool frequency, though it may not reduce abdominal discomfort.

• Type 2 diabetes: When combined with medications, inulin may help improve blood sugar control in the short term.

• Obesity: Inulin may offer modest short-term weight loss benefits, though long-term data is still lacking.

For women experiencing digestive sluggishness, poor glycemic control, or metabolic dysfunction, improving gut health with a supplement like this may be a worthwhile addition.

3. HiPhenolic (OrthoMolecular)

Key ingredients: Lemon Verbena, Hibiscus Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Magnesium

Approximate cost: $50/month

HiPhenolic is a blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals designed to support appetite regulation, metabolic flexibility, and inflammatory balance.

What the research suggests:

• A clinical trial using lemon verbena and hibiscus extract found reduced hunger, improved satiety, and modest reductions in body circumference over 8 weeks in overweight women.

• Green Coffee Bean Extract may have small effects on weight loss and metabolic syndrome markers, although the data is limited

• Magnesium supports insulin sensitivity, sleep, and muscle recovery—all of which are important for metabolic health.

  
  

HiPhenolic contains gentle, food-based compounds and may be especially helpful for women who experience cravings or struggle with appetite control during hormone transitions.

A Note About Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Weight Loss

While these supplements were suggested as companions to low-dose naltrexone, it’s important to know that LDN is not a weight loss solution for everyone. It may be helpful for certain populations—particularly those with inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or compulsive eating patterns—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all medication.

In general, I am very cautious about prescribing medication for weight loss. Many prescriptions—including GLP-1 medications like semaglutide—require long-term use to maintain results. Once stopped, the weight often comes back. These medications also carry concerning side effects, and I am not comfortable recommending them routinely.

Instead, I believe there are safer, more sustainable approaches to managing weight in midlife. This includes supporting your metabolism, gut health, insulin balance, and hormones—while working with you to identify patterns and strategies that work for your unique body.

Final Thoughts

Supplements like CM Core, Akkermansia, and HiPhenolic can be valuable tools—but they’re just that: tools. The foundation of lasting health and weight stability in midlife includes:

• A whole-food, anti-inflammatory eating style

• Consistent strength training and movement

• Sleep, stress management, and mindfulness

• Thoughtful hormone support and metabolic care

  
  

If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed despite your efforts, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Let’s talk about how to support your body with clarity, compassion, and evidence-informed care.

—Dr. Christa Waymire

Menopause physician and founder of Dragonfly Menopause Care