What supplements should I take when on a GLP-1?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, can lead to nutrient deficiencies due to reduced food intake and altered digestion. Understanding what supplements should I take when on a GLP-1 is crucial for managing potential side effects, preventing nutrient gaps, and optimizing your overall health journey.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the key vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that can support your well-being while taking a GLP-1 medication. It covers how to address common side effects like nausea and constipation, protect against nutritional deficiencies, and highlights which supplements to avoid. Practical advice is included for safe and effective use.

Key Points

Consult your doctor: Always discuss your supplement plan with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific needs, especially to avoid drug interactions.
Combat fatigue with B12: Low B12 levels are a risk due to reduced food intake and absorption; supplementing with methylcobalamin can help boost energy and combat nerve issues.
Support digestion with fiber and enzymes: Slowed gastric emptying can cause constipation and bloating; fiber supplements and digestive enzymes are effective remedies.
Prioritize hydration with electrolytes: GLP-1s can increase dehydration risk; replenishing with electrolyte drinks helps manage fatigue and dizziness.
Consider a daily multivitamin: A quality multivitamin acts as nutritional insurance to cover broad nutrient gaps from reduced calorie intake.
Build and preserve muscle mass with protein: It is vital to consume adequate protein to prevent muscle loss during weight reduction; protein shakes can be a useful tool when appetite is low.
Avoid unproven weight-loss supplements: Products like Garcinia Cambogia or ephedra can be dangerous and interfere with GLP-1 effectiveness; stick to evidence-based strategies.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become powerful tools for managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss. By mimicking a natural hormone, they slow gastric emptying and increase feelings of fullness, leading to a significant reduction in calorie intake. While these benefits are life-changing for many, the reduced appetite and slower digestion can also lead to nutritional challenges. To maintain optimal health and address potential side effects, targeted supplementation may be beneficial.

Essential Supplements to Consider on a GLP-1

Filling Nutritional Gaps with Multivitamins and Key Nutrients

With a reduced appetite, it can be difficult to consume a wide range of nutrient-dense foods, making a daily multivitamin a foundational supplement for many GLP-1 users. This acts as a form of 'nutritional insurance,' helping to fill broad vitamin and mineral gaps. However, focusing on a few specific nutrients is especially important based on potential deficiencies.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is vital for energy production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. GLP-1 medications may impair its absorption, so supplementing with a form like methylcobalamin can help combat fatigue.
Vitamin D: Many adults are already low in vitamin D, and restricted eating patterns can worsen this. It's crucial for bone health and immune function, especially during weight loss. Vitamin D3 is the recommended form.
Calcium: Reduced food intake can lower calcium consumption, risking bone density loss. Calcium supplements, often paired with vitamin D for absorption, are important for bone health. However, blood calcium levels should be monitored, as GLP-1s can cause hypercalcemia in rare cases.
Iron: A 2025 study noted that GLP-1 use may reduce iron absorption, increasing the risk of deficiency and anemia. Individuals should get their levels checked before supplementing, as too much iron can be harmful.
Magnesium: This mineral supports muscle function, nerve signaling, and can help with constipation. Magnesium glycinate is a well-absorbed and calming form that can aid with sleep and muscle cramps.

Targeting GLP-1 Side Effects with Supportive Aids

Many of the initial side effects of GLP-1s are gastrointestinal in nature. Certain supplements can be very effective in managing these symptoms.

Digestive Enzymes: GLP-1s slow digestion, which can lead to bloating, gas, and feelings of fullness. Digestive enzymes help break down food more efficiently, easing discomfort.
Fiber Supplements: Constipation is a common side effect of slowed gastric emptying. Soluble fiber, such as psyllium husk, helps promote regular bowel movements. It is important to start with a low dose and drink plenty of water.
Electrolytes: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration. Electrolyte solutions help maintain proper fluid balance, which can also reduce fatigue and dizziness.
Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be taken as a supplement or sipped as a tea to help soothe an upset stomach.
Probiotics: Changes in gut motility can affect the gut microbiome. A high-quality probiotic can support gut health and improve digestion.

Comparison of Common Supplements for GLP-1 Users


Supplement	Primary Benefit	Target Symptom/Deficiency	Recommended Form
Multivitamin	Fills broad nutritional gaps	Overall nutritional support (low intake)	Once-daily formula with methylated B vitamins
Vitamin B12	Energy and nerve function	Fatigue, nerve issues, anemia	Methylcobalamin (oral or injectable)
Digestive Enzymes	Aids food breakdown	Bloating, gas, indigestion	Comprehensive formula with proteases, lipases, amylases
Fiber	Promotes regularity	Constipation	Psyllium husk (soluble fiber)
Magnesium	Muscle relaxation, regularity	Constipation, cramps, anxiety, poor sleep	Glycinate or Citrate
Electrolytes	Hydration and balance	Dehydration, fatigue, dizziness	Sugar-free powder or drink with balanced minerals
Collagen	Skin, hair, and nail health	Hair thinning, skin elasticity loss	Hydrolyzed collagen peptides

What Supplements to Avoid or Use with Caution

Some supplements can interfere with GLP-1s or exacerbate side effects. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement.

Supplements that Lower Blood Sugar: Chromium, berberine, and alpha-lipoic acid can all lower blood glucose. When combined with a GLP-1, this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
High-Dose Vitamin C and Zinc: These common immune-support supplements can worsen gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, especially at high dosages.
Unproven Weight Loss Aids: Garcinia cambogia, ephedra, or bitter orange extract are often promoted for weight loss but have little evidence and can pose serious health risks, particularly combined with GLP-1 medications.
Calcium (without monitoring): While important, excessive or unmonitored calcium supplementation should be avoided due to the potential for hypercalcemia.

Conclusion

While GLP-1 medications offer significant health benefits, proactively managing the nutritional shifts is key to a smooth and successful journey. Focusing on foundational support, like a quality multivitamin, alongside targeted supplements for specific deficiencies (like B12, vitamin D, and magnesium) and side effects (fiber, digestive enzymes, and electrolytes), can make a significant difference. However, it's essential to approach supplementation thoughtfully, prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet and always consulting with your healthcare provider. Monitoring your body's response and adjusting your supplement strategy under medical guidance ensures your approach is safe, personalized, and effective for achieving your long-term health goals. For more in-depth nutritional guidance, consider a consultation with a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

A daily multivitamin can help fill general nutritional gaps caused by reduced appetite. However, some deficiencies, like B12, Vitamin D, or iron, may require specific, targeted supplementation in addition to a multivitamin, which is best discussed with your healthcare provider.

For nausea, try ginger supplements or sipping ginger tea. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat or rich foods can also help. Additionally, staying well-hydrated with electrolyte solutions is important, as dehydration can worsen nausea.

Yes, constipation is a common side effect due to slowed digestion. Increasing your fiber intake with a supplement like psyllium husk and ensuring you drink plenty of water can help promote regularity. Magnesium can also assist with bowel motility.

Hair thinning is sometimes reported during rapid weight loss, not just from the medication itself. It can be a result of insufficient protein and nutrient intake. Supplementing with collagen peptides and ensuring adequate overall nutrition can support hair health.

Since GLP-1s alter gut motility, a high-quality probiotic can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports overall digestion and immune function. It can also help manage other digestive issues.

Yes. Certain supplements like chromium, berberine, and alpha-lipoic acid can also lower blood sugar. Combining them with a GLP-1 medication can lead to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), so it is essential to avoid them or consult a doctor before use.

Adequate protein intake is critical for preserving muscle mass during weight loss. If your appetite is low, using a protein supplement like a whey or plant-based protein shake is a convenient way to meet your daily protein goals. Combining this with strength training exercises is also recommended.