On weight reduction medicine? You could need to contemplate supplementing for optimum well being. Right here’s why.
GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are gaining recognition for his or her effectiveness in supporting weight reduction. These medicine, initially developed for managing kind 2 diabetes, work by mimicking the consequences 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 scale back calorie consumption, typically resulting in weight reduction.
However right here’s what most individuals don’t understand: the identical mechanisms that assist you to shed kilos may additionally result in unintended nutrient shortfalls.
As a registered dietitian, I’ve had an rising 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 therapy 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 medicines.
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 durations of time. Whereas that is nice for urge for food management, it might additionally scale back how a lot (and the way typically) you eat. The end result? 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 had been considerably extra more likely to be poor in a variety of important vitamins in comparison with non-users. These included:
These deficiencies had been discovered throughout each genders and all age teams. In lots of circumstances, nutrient ranges dropped under 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, crimson blood cell manufacturing, and nervous system perform. Sadly, it’s already a generally poor nutrient, particularly in individuals over 50 and people who eat much less meat. Since GLP-1s can scale 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 contemplate a multivitamin that features a minimum of 100% of your each day worth (DV). HUM’s B12 Turbo generally is a welcome addition, relying in your present consumption.
2. Iron
Iron is important for oxygen transport and vitality. Low iron can depart you feeling fatigued, in need of breath, and even dizzy. Take into account, a lot of these signs might be simply confused with simply “adjusting” to a brand new medicine or decrease calorie food regimen.
Curiously, premenopausal individuals are already at greater danger of iron deficiency. However with smaller meals and fewer crimson meat consumption (which is a prime supply of iron), this danger will increase with GLP-1s.
Dietitian Tip: If you happen to’re feeling drained or chilly on a regular basis, speak to your healthcare supplier about checking your iron ranges. If supplementing, contemplate HUM’s Base Management, which offers 100% of the Each day Worth for iron. Plus, it offers different vitamins cited within the research, akin to folate and magnesium.
3. Vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin does greater than assist bones. It’s additionally essential for a robust immune system, temper, and even weight regulation. But, vitamin D is among the commonest deficiencies within the U.S.
Dietitian Tip: Vitamin D3 is essentially the most bioavailable type. A each day dose of 1,000–2,000 IU is usually really useful, 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 each day softgel.
4. Protein
Whereas not a micronutrient, protein deserves a particular shoutout. GLP-1 medicines assist scale back total meals consumption, however they don’t selectively curb cravings. Actually, you’re more likely to simply eat much less of all the pieces. Meaning you can fall brief on protein, which is essential for:
- Preserving lean muscle mass
- Supporting metabolism
- Selling satiety and blood sugar stability
Dietitian Tip: Goal for 20–30 grams of protein per meal. If that feels exhausting to hit with complete meals alone, including a digestion-friendly protein powder might help you meet your objectives with ease. HUM’s Core Power is a superb no-bloat possibility that’s full with a full vary of amino acids.
5. Fiber
GLP-1 medicines decelerate digestion total. This could result in one of the crucial widespread negative effects individuals expertise: irregularity. And whenever 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 hold your bowel actions common. Naturally, it is a massive deal whenever you’re coping with a sluggish intestine.
Dietitian Tip: Goal for a minimum of 25–30 grams of fiber per day from a mixture of fruits, greens, legumes, and complete grains. If you happen to’re not getting there persistently, a fiber complement might help fill within the gaps. HUM’s Flatter Me Fiber is a superb possibility that gives prebiotic fiber to assist digestion and regularity with out the bloating that some fiber powders may cause.
Conclusion on Weight Loss Treatment Vitamins
GLP-1 medicines might be highly effective instruments for weight reduction, however additionally they change the way you eat, digest, and take up vitamins. The end result? Increased danger of falling brief on key nutritional vitamins and minerals that hold your physique performing at its greatest.
The excellent news is that you just don’t must overhaul your food regimen in a single day. With a number of focused additions, whether or not by way of meals, dietary supplements, or a wise multivitamin, you’ll be able to 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 for those who’re taking a prescription weight reduction drug.
