Skip to main content

Gut Hormones

Meaning

Gut hormones are a diverse group of endocrine signaling molecules secreted by specialized enteroendocrine cells dispersed throughout the gastrointestinal tract in response to nutrient ingestion. These peptides act as key mediators in the gut-brain axis, regulating critical physiological functions such as appetite, satiety, digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall energy balance. Important examples of these potent signaling molecules include Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), ghrelin, and cholecystokinin (CCK).