On weight reduction medicine? You could wish to take into account supplementing for optimum well being. Right here’s why.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are gaining recognition for his or her effectiveness in supporting weight reduction. These medication, 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 sluggish digestion, regulate blood sugar, and curb urge for food. Collectively, these outcomes might help people 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 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 doubtless on GLP-1s, and dietitian-tips for supporting your diet 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 durations of time. Whereas that is nice for urge for food management, it might probably additionally scale back how a lot (and the way typically) you eat. The outcome? Much less energy, and consequently, much less vitamins – except you’re actually intentional about what’s in your plate.
In a 2025 examine, researchers discovered that GLP-1 customers had been considerably extra more likely to be poor in a spread 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 beneath clinically acceptable thresholds, elevating issues 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 function in vitality metabolism, purple blood cell manufacturing, and nervous system perform. Sadly, it’s already a generally poor nutrient, particularly in individuals over 50 and those that eat much less meat. Since GLP-1s can scale back abdomen acid and sluggish absorption, B12 ranges can drop even additional.
Dietitian Tip: Search for a B12 complement within the methylcobalamin type for higher absorption, or take into account a multivitamin that features a minimum of 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 important for oxygen transport and vitality. Low iron can go away you feeling fatigued, wanting breath, and even dizzy. Have in mind, a lot of these signs may be simply confused with simply “adjusting” to a brand new medicine or decrease calorie food plan.
Curiously, premenopausal persons are already at larger danger of iron deficiency. However with smaller meals and fewer purple meat consumption (which is a prime supply of iron), this danger will increase with GLP-1s.
Dietitian Tip: In the event you’re feeling drained or chilly on a regular basis, speak to your healthcare supplier about checking your iron ranges. If supplementing, take into account HUM’s Base Management, which supplies 100% of the Each day Worth for iron. Plus, it supplies different vitamins cited within the examine, equivalent to folate and magnesium.
3. Vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin does greater than help bones. It’s additionally crucial 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 probably the most bioavailable type. A day by day dose of 1,000–2,000 IU is usually beneficial, 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 scale back general meals consumption, however they don’t selectively curb cravings. In reality, you’re more likely to simply eat much less of the whole lot. Meaning you may fall quick on protein, which is vital for:
- Preserving lean muscle mass
- Supporting metabolism
- Selling satiety and blood sugar steadiness
Dietitian Tip: Purpose for 20–30 grams of protein per meal. If that feels exhausting to hit with entire 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 drugs decelerate digestion general. This will result in one of the frequent unwanted side effects individuals expertise: irregularity. And once you’re consuming much less general, your fiber consumption typically takes successful, too.
Fiber performs a key function in digestive well being, blood sugar regulation, and even ldl cholesterol administration. It additionally helps hold your bowel actions common. Naturally, it is a huge deal once you’re coping with a sluggish intestine.
Dietitian Tip: Purpose for a minimum of 25–30 grams of fiber per day from a mixture of fruits, greens, legumes, and entire grains. In the event you’re not getting there constantly, a fiber complement might help fill within the gaps. HUM’s Flatter Me Fiber is a superb possibility that gives prebiotic fiber to help digestion and regularity with out the bloating that some fiber powders could cause.
Conclusion on Weight Loss Remedy Vitamins
GLP-1 drugs may be highly effective instruments for weight reduction, however in addition they change the way you eat, digest, and take up vitamins. The outcome? Greater danger of falling quick on key nutritional vitamins and minerals that hold your physique performing at its finest.
The excellent news is that you simply don’t must overhaul your food plan in a single day. With just a few focused additions, whether or not by meals, dietary supplements, or a sensible multivitamin, you’ll be able to keep on monitor 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.
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