Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone that is synthesized in the intestinal mucosa predominantly in enteroendocrine L-cells as well as by some neurons in the brainstem. It is developed via enzymatic cleavage of the proglucagon precursor. Following a meal, GLP-1 is secreted to help modulate plasma glucose concentrations by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and decreasing food intake via central appetite inhibition. Due to the rapid breakdown of GLP-1 within the body, synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been developed to replace the effects of GLP-1 for the treatment for diabetes and obesity. [1]
Bridging the Nutrient Gap: Strategic Supplementation for GLP-1 Drug Users
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone that is synthesized in the intestinal mucosa predominantly in enteroendocrine L-cells as well as by some neurons in the brainstem. It is developed via enzymatic cleavage of the proglucagon precursor. Following a meal, GLP-1 is secreted to help modulate plasma glucose concentrations by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and decreasing food intake via central appetite inhibition. Due to the rapid breakdown of GLP-1 within the body, synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been developed to replace the effects of GLP-1 for the treatment for diabetes and obesity. [1]
GLP-1 RAs and the Nutritional Opportunity for Supplementation
The rise in use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) is transforming the health and wellness space. These anti-obesity medications have been called “generational breakthrough medications,” and the implications of GLP-1 RAs are not limited to weight loss. The long-term ramifications may lie in what is not there: nutrient depletion, muscle wasting, and the requirement for ongoing support from diet and nutrition. This is where dietary supplements can make a difference. This is where dietary supplements can make a difference, especially within the realm of nutraceutical product development.
A Shift Toward Integrated Approaches
For an industry that has already been transitioning to more condition-specific, personalized, and clinically supported products, GLP-1 RAs presents an inflection point. Firms that convert their knowledge of metabolic health, particularly muscle preservation and micronutrient absorption can help connect supplementation to medical and lifestyle interventions.
For now, the buzz surrounding GLP-1 drugs appear logical in the risk-benefit calculus. But, to appropriately respond to America’s poor health status, GLP-1 drug protocols should be presented by prescribers from a more holistic perspective. This trend is a clear driver of innovation in nutritional supplement nutraceuticals focused on addressing specific health challenges. [2]
Evidence Supporting Nutritional Integration
According to researchers at GNC, the study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (April 2025) states that “We increasingly hear calls for a more integrated care plan combining GLP-1RA with targeted diet and lifestyle recommendations to improve patient outcomes… Adequate intake of nutrients is essential to support health (promote good health), decrease chronic disease, deficiencies, and toxicity.”
If there was a time for health-conscious product development and clinical nutrition to shine, it is now. [3]
Nutrient Gaps Among GLP-1 Users
GNC researchers filled an important gap in available data and completed a nutritional assessment of GLP-1 medication users to quantify nutrient deficiencies. GNC researchers reported that users of GLP-1 RAs consumed, relative to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values,
Adequate intake of the following B vitamins, copper, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
Inadequate intake of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, choline, and vitamins A, C, D, and E
Researchers concluded: “Patient-centered nutritional guidance is necessary to leverage health outcomes to avoid unanticipated health outcomes. Future studies, using larger sample sizes, are needed to evaluate the reproducibility of these findings and to evaluate patient-specific nutritional guidance for patients on GLP-1RA medication.” [4]
Why Nutritional Deficiencies Occur with GLP-1 RAs
GLP-1 receptor agonists decrease appetite and slow gastric emptying which can lead to significantly reduced caloric intake of sometimes one-third or more. A reduction in caloric intake can result in low intake of important nutrients in addition to weight loss benefits. Gastrointestinal side effects (i.e., nausea, vomiting, early satiety) can substantially reduce food intake and variety of foods consumed, which can contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Further, gastrointestinal changes and gut microbiome alterations may result in decreased absorption of some vitamins and minerals. Lastly, some patients also may be less thirsty which can contribute to dehydration and other issues associated with dehydration. [5]
Common Nutritional Deficiencies and Related Risks
Research shows several common deficiencies in adult users of GLP-1 RAs:
Vitamin D: Important for bone health and immunity. Up to 13.6% of GLP-1 RA users are deficient within a year. Weight loss releases stored vitamin D from your fat, decreasing usable vitamin D.
Vitamin B12 and Folate: Important for neurological health and blood health. Deficiencies can bring about anaemias, fatigue, and neurologic conditions. Some diabetes medications (such as metformin) add more deficiencies in B12 alongside being on a GLP-1 RA.
Iron: Deficiency anaemia is still present in 2-4% of patients which can cause tiredness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium: Important electrolytes/minerals that are the most important for cardiovascular function are often sufficiently consumed, below recommendation levels.
Other common vitamins (A, C, E) and Choline are often present as deficiencies in many users as well, these nutrients are also discovered to function as antioxidants and vitamins for cell function.
Muscle Loss and Protein Intake
To maintain as much muscle mass as possible during weight loss, a person should consume enough protein. Some people using GLP-1 RA may have a decreased protein intake due to a smaller quantity of food ingested or experiencing nausea. The majority of the benefit of maintaining muscle mass is that it will contribute to functional status, metabolic health as one age, and longevity. To optimize it, sufficient nutrition is necessary. [6]
Table 1: Nutrient Deficiencies and Supplementation Needs in GLP-1 RA Users
Nutrient | Role in Health | Deficiency Risk in GLP-1 RA Users | Supplementation Consideration |
Vitamin D | Bone health, immune support | High (up to 13.6% deficiency) | Vitamin D3 with calcium for absorption |
Vitamin B12 | Nervous system, red blood cells | Moderate, worsened by metformin | Methylcobalamin form preferred |
Iron | Red blood cell production | Moderate (2-4% anemia risk) | Iron bisglycinate or chelated forms |
Calcium | Bone strength, muscle function | Insufficient intake common | Calcium citrate or carbonate with Vitamin D |
Magnesium | Cardiovascular and muscle health | Low intake noted | Magnesium glycinate for better absorption |
Potassium | Electrolyte balance | Low intake | Potassium-rich diet and cautious supplementation |
Protein | Muscle preservation | Risk of inadequate intake | High-quality protein powders or dietary sources |
Vitamins A, C, E | Antioxidant support | Commonly low | Mixed antioxidant supplements |
Fiber | Gut health | Commonly deficient | Prebiotic fiber supplements |
Choline | Brain and liver function | Often low | Phosphatidylcholine or choline bitartrate |
Strategic Supplementation and Dietary Recommendations
To reduce risks associated with and manage muscle mass and nutrient deficiencies, we need an interprofessional management approach:
Balanced Diet Approach: Suggest variety with nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods with plenty of vegetables and fruits, lean protein, whole grains, nuts, and dairy or fortified alternatives.
Regular Small Meals: To bypass symptoms of nausea or early satiety, suggest at least three small meals or snacks to ensure consistent nutrient intake.
Prioritizing protein: Encourage sufficient intake of high-quality protein foods, even if it is below calories levels at times, to maintain muscle mass.
Hydration education: Teach patients about the need to consciously maintain adequate fluid intake and to be aware of potentially becoming dehydrated.
Targeted nutritional supplements: Customized based on blood testing and dietary analysis, these supplements reflect ongoing innovation in nutritional supplement nutraceuticals.
What Success Will Require
Success in this space will require more than formulation. It needs:
- Education: Practitioner and consumer education to understand the importance of nutrition alongside GLP-1 RA treatment.
- Practitioner Partnerships: Collaboration among prescribers, dietitians, and supplement manufacturers to create patient-centric care plans.
- Consistent Communication: Clear messaging about evidence-based benefits, nutrient risks, and integrative strategies to maintain outcomes.
- Personalized Solutions: Tailored supplement formulations and nutrition plans that address individual patient needs and preferences, highlighting advances in nutraceutical formulation and development.
- Ongoing Research: Continued large-scale studies to refine nutritional guidance and assess long-term outcomes in real-world GLP-1 RA users.
By taking these steps, companies and healthcare providers can build trust, clinical relevance, and set a new standard for the future of personalized, integrative nutrition. [8] [2]
Conclusion
GLP-1 receptor agonists offer groundbreaking benefits for metabolic health, but addressing nutrient gaps and muscle preservation is essential. Strategic supplementation integrated with dietary guidance can optimize patient outcomes. Food research labs play a crucial role in advancing tailored nutrient solutions for GLP-1 users, helping ensure safe, effective, and personalized nutrition support alongside these therapies.
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