You didn’t know this about Ozempic. The ingredient contained therein affects the intestines

The substance that may be harmful to us in this context is called sodium salcaprozotate (SNAC for short). SNAC helps semaglutide reach the bloodstream by protecting the drug’s active ingredient from digestion in the stomach and helping it pass through the intestinal wall. As it turns out, it also causes undesirable changes in the bacterial flora in the intestines and may also have a negative impact on other body functions. This was proven by scientists from the University of Adelaide, who have just published new research results on this topic.

Scientists led by doctoral student Amin Ariaee administered SNAC to laboratory animals for 21 days and observed changes in the body. The results showed a reduction in the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria that break down dietary fiber. At the same time, the levels of short-chain fatty acids, compounds produced by microflora that protect the intestinal lining and inhibit inflammation, decreased.

The study also noted an increase in inflammatory markers in the blood and increased liver mass, which may signal mild, chronic inflammation. The cecum, the part of the large intestine responsible for fiber fermentation, was also reduced. Importantly from the point of view of neurology, researchers observed reduced concentration of a protein originating from the brain, the deficiency of which is associated with cognitive disorders.

The authors state that the results do not prove that SNAC is harmful to humans. Senior researcher Dr. Paul Joyce noted that the data comes from an animal model and requires careful interpretation. However, he pointed out that the ingredient that enables the tablets to work may have biological effects beyond just transporting the drug.

The tablet version of Wegova was introduced in the US late last year. The daily contact of millions of patients with SNAC over a longer period of time is a new phenomenon that no one has been able to analyze before. Ozempic in its tablet version is to be introduced in the second half of 2026.

Ariaee emphasizes that these drugs are effective and help many people, but each ingredient of the preparation deserves a separate, detailed scientific evaluation.