Which vitamins should I be taking?

So, you’re taking a GLP1 medication (here comes a healthier you!) and now you start seeing a bunch of ads for vitamins you “should be taking”.

Is it really necessary to take any particular supplements?

The short answer is no. Routine vitamin use alongside your medication is not universally required.

However, appetite suppression and rapid calorie reduction can worsen pre-existing (and possibly unknown) vitamin deficiencies.

In that case, supplements can be helpful based on dietary intake, risk factors, symptoms, and labs.

Here is a practical approach!

• Eat a nutrient-dense, protein- adequate diet (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy/fortified alternatives, legumes, lean proteins, nuts/seeds) to meet your nutritional needs. 😋  <— Focus on foods that FUEL you.
• Consider targeted supplements based on risk of deficiency:

1. Vitamin D— very common deficiency in obesity! Recommended daily amount: 600-800IU daily (unless you have a deficiency; often we prescribe higher!)
2. Vitamin B12: most common when someone does not eat animal proteins. Certain medications and genetic conditions can also cause deficiency.
3. Iron: if you have anemia/lab results showing low iron.

“A multivitamin can be considered for patients with substantial appetite reduction, alongside a balanced diet. Laboratory assessments to identify common deficiencies (Vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12) should be done when clinically indicated or when WL (weight loss) is extreme”.”

—Farhad Mehrtash, MPH, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
“Integrating Diet and Physical Activity When Prescribing GLP1s- Lifestyle Factors Remain Crucial”: JAMA

Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies: 

• Fatigue and weakness
• Restless leg syndrome
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
• Dizziness: or lightheadedness
• Irregular heartbeats: or palpitations
• Numbness or tingling: in the hands and feet
• Difficulty walking: and unsteady movements
• Memory problems, confusion, or forgetfulness
• Changes in mood, such as depression or irritability
• A smooth, red, and sore tongue
• Vision problems
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain or loss, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis
• Mood changes

If you are concerned about any vitamin deficiencies or any specific health concern, schedule a THP Express Care Visit!

We’ll go over your specific concerns, discuss which labs would be most appropriate to check, send a lab request, and then you’ll receive a detailed summary on the results ✅