On weight reduction medicine? You could wish to think about supplementing for optimum well being. Right here’s why.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are gaining reputation for his or her effectiveness in supporting weight reduction. These medication, initially developed for managing kind 2 diabetes, work by mimicking the results of a hormone referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In easy phrases, they assist gradual digestion, regulate blood sugar, and curb urge for food. Collectively, these outcomes might help of us cut back calorie consumption, typically resulting in weight reduction.
However right here’s what most individuals don’t notice: the identical mechanisms that assist you to shed kilos may additionally result in unintended nutrient shortfalls.
As a registered dietitian, I’ve had an growing variety of shoppers ask: “Are there nutritional vitamins I ought to be taking with Ozempic?” The easy reply is, sure. Nutritional vitamins are amongst different key vitamins that ought to be included into any weight reduction drug remedy plan.
This text explores the science behind why sure deficiencies could also be extra seemingly on GLP-1s, and dietitian-tips for supporting your vitamin whereas on a weight reduction journey with these drugs.
Why Nutrient Deficiencies Can Occur on GLP-1s
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by slowing gastric emptying. In different phrases, meals stays in your abdomen longer, which retains you feeling full for prolonged intervals of time. Whereas that is nice for urge for food management, it may additionally cut back how a lot (and the way typically) you eat. The consequence? Much less energy, and consequently, much less vitamins – until you’re actually intentional about what’s in your plate.
In a 2025 research, researchers discovered that GLP-1 customers have been considerably extra more likely to be poor in a variety of important vitamins in comparison with non-users. These included:
These deficiencies have been discovered throughout each genders and all age teams. In lots of instances, nutrient ranges dropped beneath clinically acceptable thresholds, elevating considerations about long-term well being impacts if left unaddressed.
5 Key Vitamins to Watch Whereas Taking Ozempic or Different GLP-1 Medicine
1. Vitamin B12
B12 performs a key position in vitality metabolism, pink blood cell manufacturing, and nervous system operate. Sadly, it’s already a generally poor nutrient, particularly in individuals over 50 and those that eat much less meat. Since GLP-1s can cut back abdomen acid and gradual absorption, B12 ranges can drop even additional.
Dietitian Tip: Search for a B12 complement within the methylcobalamin type for higher absorption, or think about a multivitamin that features not less than 100% of your day by day worth (DV). HUM’s B12 Turbo generally is a welcome boost, relying in your present consumption.
2. Iron
Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and vitality. Low iron can go away you feeling fatigued, wanting breath, and even dizzy. Be mindful, a lot of these signs might be simply confused with simply “adjusting” to a brand new medicine or decrease calorie weight loss plan.
Curiously, premenopausal individuals are already at larger danger of iron deficiency. However with smaller meals and fewer pink meat consumption (which is a high supply of iron), this danger will increase with GLP-1s.
Dietitian Tip: In case you’re feeling drained or chilly on a regular basis, speak to your healthcare supplier about checking your iron ranges. If supplementing, think about HUM’s Base Management, which supplies 100% of the Day by day Worth for iron. Plus, it supplies different vitamins cited within the research, akin to folate and magnesium.
3. Vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin does greater than help bones. It’s additionally vital for a robust immune system, temper, and even weight regulation. But, vitamin D is without doubt one of the most typical deficiencies within the U.S.
Dietitian Tip: Vitamin D3 is essentially the most bioavailable type. A day by day dose of 1,000–2,000 IU is commonly advisable, however blood ranges (25(OH)D) might help you personalize your dose. HUM’s Right here Comes the Solar delivers 2000 IU of plant-based vitamin D3 in a single handy day by day softgel.
4. Protein
Whereas not a micronutrient, protein deserves a particular shoutout. GLP-1 drugs assist cut back total meals consumption, however they don’t selectively curb cravings. In truth, you’re more likely to simply eat much less of every thing. Which means you might fall quick on protein, which is vital for:
- Preserving lean muscle mass
- Supporting metabolism
- Selling satiety and blood sugar steadiness
Dietitian Tip: Intention for 20–30 grams of protein per meal. If that feels laborious to hit with entire meals alone, including a digestion-friendly protein powder might help you meet your targets with ease. HUM’s Core Energy is a good no-bloat possibility that’s full with a full vary of amino acids.
5. Fiber
GLP-1 drugs decelerate digestion total. This will result in some of the frequent uncomfortable side effects individuals expertise: irregularity. And while you’re consuming much less total, your fiber consumption typically takes a success, too.
Fiber performs a key position in digestive well being, blood sugar regulation, and even ldl cholesterol administration. It additionally helps preserve your bowel actions common. Naturally, this can be a massive deal while you’re coping with a sluggish intestine.
Dietitian Tip: Intention for not less than 25–30 grams of fiber per day from a mix of fruits, greens, legumes, and entire grains. In case you’re not getting there constantly, a fiber complement might help fill within the gaps. HUM’s Flatter Me Fiber is a good possibility that gives prebiotic fiber to help digestion and regularity with out the bloating that some fiber powders could cause.
Conclusion on Weight Loss Medicine Vitamins
GLP-1 drugs might be highly effective instruments for weight reduction, however additionally they change the way you eat, digest, and soak up vitamins. The consequence? Increased danger of falling quick on key nutritional vitamins and minerals that preserve your physique performing at its finest.
The excellent news is that you simply don’t have to overhaul your weight loss plan in a single day. With a number of focused additions, whether or not by meals, dietary supplements, or a sensible multivitamin, you possibly can keep on observe throughout your GLP-1 journey.
As all the time, speak to your healthcare supplier or dietitian earlier than beginning any new complement, particularly when you’re taking a prescription weight reduction drug.
