Nutrition Gaps on GLP-1: Key Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients to Watch

Why GLP-1 use can lead to nutrient gaps

GLP-1s are proving to be a game-changer approach to weight management by reducing appetite and calorie intake.

However, as your food intake drops, so can your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, all of which the body depends on for energy, muscle preservation, metabolic function, digestion, and long-term wellness.¹²

The most common vitamin inadequacies in GLP-1 users

Research suggests many GLP-1 users may consume less than recommended amounts of certain nutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Below are some of the key nutrients to prioritize if you’re on a GLP-1:

Iron¹

Iron is an essential mineral that helps the body make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. It supports immune function, cognitive health, and energy. Without adequate iron, people may experience low energy or difficulty concentrating. Aim for 8 mg for men and 18 mg for premenopausal women.¹

Vitamin D²

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the diet and maintain appropriate calcium levels in the blood. In that way, it becomes an essential support to bone health while you’re reducing your caloric intake.²

Calcium³

Research shows that GLP-1 users also consume insufficient amounts of protein and calcium.² Calcium is imperative for bone and teeth health and plays an important role in muscle contraction, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and maintaining a normal heartbeat. Aim for 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium per day.³

Protein⁴

Protein is absolutely key to preserving muscle during weight loss. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build, repair, and maintain tissues, skin, hair, and organs. It also supports immune function and hormone production.⁴

Magnesium⁵

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of processes in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. It also helps support normal heart rhythm, relaxation, and sleep quality.⁵

Other nutrients and minerals to make sure you’re getting enough of:

• Fiber to aid digestion and gut health
• Vitamin B-12⁶ to support energy and cognitive function
• Vitamin C to support immune function
• Vitamin A to support vision and healthy immune function^7,8,9
• Vitamin K to support bone health¹⁰
• Folate (vitamin B9) to support cells¹¹

How to close nutritional gaps while on a GLP-1

Aim for a nutrient-consumption routine that works with your reduced appetite and your schedule, so that you can stick to it. Some tips for keeping up nutrition while eating less:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods; every choice matters
  • Prioritize lean protein and fiber
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Complement with vitamins and supplements
• Try to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even if they are small meals.
• Make each one a balanced meal of lean protein, high-fiber foods, and healthy fats.
• Plan meals ahead of time. Having simple meal and snack options available can help you stay consistent with your nutrition goals.

(Find more ideas on how to incorporate a healthy diet into your own lifestyle).

Covering Nutrition Gaps with Supplements

If you’re concerned about consuming enough food or water, you may consider supplementing your intake:

• Protein supplements can be easily incorporated into smoothies to help you meet your protein needs and support lean mass.
• Electrolytes help keep you hydrated and are especially helpful when you’re eating less or experiencing digestive changes.
• Fiber supplements can help support digestive health.
• Foundational Nutrition supplements with creatine, such as AG1 Pro, can help fill in nutritional gaps in your diet while specifically supporting muscle strength and energy.*

How AG1 PRO supports nutritional needs on a GLP-1

AG1 Pro offers an easy way to prioritize fulfilling your nutritional needs while taking GLP-1s. It is built on the same clinically backed formula and foundation of AG1 Next Gen, but it also helps maintain lean muscle and functional strength by helping reduce muscle protein breakdown and supporting cellular energy (ATP)*.

• Pro features key ingredients creatine monohydrate, Ca-HMB, and zinc carnosine to deliver targeted support for muscle strength, metabolic resilience, and advanced gut barrier function.*
• It’s a simple way to support daily nutrient intake as part of your GLP-1 routine, with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, phytonutrients, creatine, and whole-food-sourced ingredients in one scoop.*
• Make sure you’re prioritizing your wellbeing by consuming healthy food sources despite your lessened appetite. To cover all nutritional bases, add the easy step of AG1 Pro.

For more steps to support your nutrient needs on GLP-1s, check out our GLP-1 Nutrition Guide.

References:

1. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Iron—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated March 26, 2021. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
2. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin D—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated November 8, 2022. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
3. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Calcium—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated September 14, 2023. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
4. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated November 12, 2025. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-Consumer/
5. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Magnesium—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated March 22, 2021. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
6. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B12—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated August 1, 2024. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/
7. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A and Carotenoids—Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health. Updated June 5, 2025. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/
8. Beer K, Singh A, Ravi SC, Gupta AK, Kumar A, Sharma MM. A comprehensive review on the role of vitamin A on human health and nutrition. J Environ Biol. 2024;45(6):645-653. doi:10.22438/jeb/45/6/MRN-5339
9. Huang Z, Liu Y, Qi G, Brand D, Zheng SG. Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(9):258. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7090258
10. Mladěnka P, Macáková K, Kujovská Krčmová L, Javorská L, Mrštná K, Carazo A, Protti M, Remião F, Nováková L, OEMONOM researchers and collaborators. Vitamin K—sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and …. Nutr Rev. 2022;80(4):677-698. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab061
11. He Q, Li J. The evolution of folate supplementation—from one size for all to personalized, precision, poly-paths. J Transl Intern Med. 2023;11(2):128-137. doi:10.2478/jtim-2023-0087
12. Urbina J, Salinas-Ruiz LE, Valenciano C, Clapp B. Micronutrient and nutritional…associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy: a narrative review. Clin Obes. 2026;16(1):e70070. doi:10.1111/cob.70070