What Supplements Cause Increased Appetite: A Detailed Guide

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one survey of dietary supplement users, nearly 60% reported an increase in appetite as a positive side effect of supplementation. This effect is not universal but highlights the complex ways supplements can interact with the body's hunger signals.

Quick Summary

Certain supplements, including key vitamins and minerals, can increase appetite by correcting deficiencies or influencing metabolic processes. This guide details specific supplements, their mechanisms, and important considerations for those experiencing elevated hunger.

Key Points

B-Vitamins: Deficiencies in B1 (thiamine) and B12 are known to suppress appetite, so supplementation can restore normal hunger levels by improving energy metabolism.
Zinc: A zinc deficiency can dull your sense of taste and decrease appetite; supplementing can correct this and stimulate hunger, especially in deficient individuals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research on omega-3's effect on appetite is mixed, but some studies show an increase in hunger, especially in healthy, athletic men.
Creatine: This supplement indirectly increases appetite by promoting muscle growth and water retention, which in turn raises the body's overall caloric needs.
Correction of Deficiencies: The most common reason supplements increase appetite is by correcting a pre-existing nutritional deficiency that was causing suppressed hunger.
Individual Variability: The effect of supplements on appetite is not universal and can vary significantly depending on an individual's health status, dosage, and lifestyle.

Why Supplements Can Increase Appetite

Increased appetite from supplements is not always a direct consequence of the supplement itself. Often, it's a byproduct of the body returning to a state of balance. For individuals with nutritional deficiencies, a suppressed appetite is a common symptom. When these nutrient gaps are addressed through supplementation, the body's natural hunger cues can be restored or re-established, leading to a perceived increase in appetite. For example, low levels of vitamins or minerals essential for metabolism can cause the body to conserve energy, and correcting this can kickstart a more efficient metabolism that demands more fuel.

Other supplements may have a more direct effect by influencing hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate hunger. The effect varies from person to person, and it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms to interpret the body's signals correctly.

Specific Supplements That Can Impact Appetite

B-Vitamins

B-vitamins, especially thiamine (B1) and cobalamin (B12), are vital for converting food into energy. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to a sluggish metabolism, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Thiamine (B1): Deficiency in thiamine is known to cause decreased appetite and can result in weight loss. Restoring normal thiamine levels can reactivate the body's energy production processes and normalize appetite.
Vitamin B12: As with thiamine, a B12 deficiency can cause fatigue and poor energy conversion, which may suppress appetite. Correcting this deficiency can improve energy levels and metabolism, leading to a normalized or increased feeling of hunger.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in metabolism, immune function, and taste perception. A lack of zinc can cause a loss of appetite and alterations in how food tastes. Supplementing with zinc can restore proper taste function and may stimulate appetite, particularly in those with a diagnosed deficiency.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids have a complex relationship with appetite. While some studies suggest they may reduce hunger in overweight individuals, other research indicates they can increase appetite in healthy, athletic populations. This effect might be related to hormonal changes or influencing satiety signals differently depending on an individual's metabolic state.

Creatine

Primarily used for muscle growth and athletic performance, creatine's effect on appetite is indirect. Creatine supplementation can lead to an increase in lean muscle mass and water retention within muscle cells. This muscle growth increases the body's metabolic demand, which can lead to an increase in overall calorie needs and thus, appetite. However, the supplement itself is low in calories and doesn't directly stimulate hunger.

Other Herbal Supplements

Some herbal remedies, such as Echinacea, have been associated with an increased appetite in certain individuals. Historically, herbal 'bitters' like gentian and wormwood were also used in naturopathy to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. While traditional use suggests a link, modern scientific evidence is often limited.

Managing Supplement-Induced Appetite Changes

Time Your Intake: Taking supplements with meals can help to manage sudden hunger spikes. This helps stabilize blood sugar and energy levels as nutrients are absorbed.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: If appetite increases, focus on satiating, whole foods rich in protein and fiber to avoid overeating less healthy options.
Consult a Professional: If appetite changes are significant or concerning, consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can help assess your dietary needs and the appropriateness of your supplement regimen.
Track Your Intake: Keep a journal of your supplement intake and how it affects your hunger levels. This can help you identify specific triggers.

Comparison of Appetite-Increasing Supplements


Supplement	Mechanism of Action	Target Population	Onset of Effect	Side Effects	Potential Benefits	Key Considerations
B-Vitamins (B1/B12)	Corrects deficiencies; improves metabolism and energy	Those with documented deficiency	Gradual, as levels normalize	Minimal at typical doses	Increased energy, mood improvement	Rarely effective for those without a deficiency
Zinc	Restores taste perception; stimulates nerve signals	Individuals with zinc deficiency	Can be relatively quick	Nausea, vomiting with high doses	Normalizes taste, boosts immune function	Avoid high doses without medical supervision
Omega-3s (Fish Oil)	Influences satiety hormones; may reduce inflammation	Healthy athletes, individuals with certain conditions	Varies significantly by individual	Fishy aftertaste, digestive issues	Heart health, anti-inflammatory effects	Effects on appetite are not universal
Creatine	Increases muscle mass and metabolic demand	Athletes and bodybuilders	Can cause short-term weight gain (water)	Gastrointestinal distress (high doses)	Strength gains, improved exercise performance	Appetite increase is an indirect effect of muscle growth
Bitter Herbs (Gentian)	Stimulates digestive enzymes and bile production	Those with poor digestion and low appetite	Immediate, upon ingestion	Can cause stomach upset	Improves digestion, supports liver function	Primarily traditional use; consult a naturopathic specialist

Conclusion

While some supplements can contribute to increased appetite, the reasons are diverse and often depend on the individual's nutritional status. For many, supplements like B-vitamins and zinc work by correcting underlying deficiencies that may have been suppressing hunger. In contrast, compounds like creatine have an indirect effect by stimulating muscle growth and metabolic demand, while omega-3s' impact is more complex and less predictable. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing appetite and achieving your health goals. If you're concerned about unexplained changes in hunger, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. A useful resource for further information on appetite stimulants and supplements is Medical News Today(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326142).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a multivitamin can sometimes increase your appetite, especially if you were previously deficient in one or more key vitamins or minerals, such as B-vitamins or zinc. Correcting these deficiencies can restore a healthy metabolism and your body's natural hunger signals.

Creatine does not directly increase appetite but can do so indirectly. By promoting muscle mass and improving athletic performance, it increases your body's energy demands. This increased metabolic need prompts your body to seek more calories, which you perceive as increased hunger.

The timeframe varies depending on the supplement and the individual. For a pre-existing deficiency, you may notice a change in appetite within a few weeks as nutrient levels are restored. The effect can be more immediate for supplements like bitter herbs or those influencing metabolism more directly.

It is not recommended to take supplements solely for this purpose without consulting a healthcare provider. Increased appetite is often a side effect, and the primary cause of a poor appetite should be investigated. A doctor can help determine if there's an underlying medical issue.

Yes, you can try incorporating appetite-stimulating herbs and spices like ginger, fennel, and peppermint into your diet. Planning smaller, more frequent meals, increasing physical activity, and eating nutrient-dense foods can also help.

Yes, supplements designed to combat stress, such as adaptogens, may indirectly influence appetite. For example, ashwagandha, an adaptogen, can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, potentially impacting emotional eating habits. This could either reduce cravings or normalize a suppressed appetite.

If an increase in appetite is unwelcome, you can try a few strategies. Taking your supplements with meals can help mitigate sudden hunger spikes. Focusing on high-fiber, high-protein foods will increase satiety. If the problem persists, you may need to adjust your dosage or switch supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.