A NOVEL fasting mimetic supplement recreated key fasting-like benefits in overweight older adults without requiring dietary restriction or lifestyle change.
In a decentralised, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, researchers evaluated the effects of a daily fasting mimetic, Mimio, on hunger regulation, oxidative stress, and cardiometabolic health in adults with elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The findings suggested that Mimio delivered measurable metabolic improvements over 8 weeks compared with placebo.
Intermittent fasting has been widely studied for its benefits in weight control, glucose regulation, and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, long-term adherence remains challenging, particularly for older adults. Fasting mimetics are designed to trigger similar biological pathways to fasting, without the need to restrict food intake.
Fasting Mimetic Mimio Improves Hunger and Satiety
The trial included 42 participants (47.6% female; mean age: 62±4 years; BMI: 27.6 kg/m²; HbA1c: 6.0±0.1%). Participants collected 2 weeks of baseline subjective data and fasted metabolic blood panels before being randomised to Mimio (n=23) or placebo (n=19). The supplement, containing spermidine, nicotinamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoethanolamide, was taken before the first meal of the day for 8 weeks.
The fasting mimetic significantly improved hunger and satiety metrics over time compared with placebo (Hunger and Satiety Composite Score Mann–Kendall p=2.2×10−16). Notably, 91% of participants receiving Mimio reported improved mealtime appetite ratings versus 47% in the placebo group (Fisher’s Exact Test p=0.003). Participants in the Mimio group also reported significantly less abdominal pain and bloating (Student’s t-test p<0.05).
Cardiometabolic Benefits Without Fasting
Beyond appetite regulation, the fasting mimetic produced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers. Compared with placebo, Mimio reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, LDL particle number, oxidised LDL, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, and fasting glucose (Student’s t-test p<0.05). These findings suggested reduced oxidative stress and improved lipid metabolism.
Importantly, there were no significant differences in adverse effects between groups. Changes in quality of life, eating behaviour questionnaires, and cognitive measures also did not differ significantly.
The study was limited by its relatively small sample size and short duration. Nonetheless, researchers concluded that Mimio was the first fasting mimetic shown to reproduce clinical fasting-like cardiometabolic benefits without requiring caloric restriction. Larger, longer-term trials will be necessary to confirm durability of effect and broader applicability.
Reference
Grant AD. A novel fasting mimetic (Mimio) creates fasting-like benefits to hunger control, oxidative stress, and cardiometabolic health in humans. Sci Rep. 2026; DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-38495-7.
Featured image: spyrakot on Adobe Stock
