Can I Take Supplements While on GLP-1 Medications?

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As GLP-1 medications like semaglutide become more commonly used for diabetes as well as weight loss, it is important to understand the interactions this medicine might have with other medications and supplements. Many people who take GLP-1 agonists also take other medications, supplements, and dietary aids without knowing if they are necessarily safe to take together. The good news is that many supplements and medications are safe to take in conjunction with GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide. And in many cases, supplementation is encouraged while taking a GLP-1 agonist due to the difficulty in getting all of the recommended amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to decreased appetite. We’ll discuss supplementation and GLP-1 medications further below. 

Brief Overview of GLP-1 Agonist Medications

A relatively new breakthrough in diabetes and weight management, prescriptions for weight loss GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, work by helping control blood sugar and also slow the rate of emptying of the stomach to keep people feeling fuller for longer. 

These medications are also thought to cause weight loss for many people by helping to reduce the communication of hunger feelings between the stomach and the brain. There’s also research to suggest GLP-1s decrease “food noise,” a term that refers to intrusive thoughts about food. 

These medications are only available by prescription from a health care professional, and are usually prescribed to people who have type 2 diabetes, obesity, and those who are trying to lose weight. 

What is a Drug-Drug Interaction?

When taking any medicines, vitamins, or other supplements, it is important to know that they can all interact with one another. While some interactions may not cause any noticeable issues, others can cause medications to not work properly or to cause toxicity or other serious and potentially harmful reactions. 

These interactions can occur in many different ways such as the medications altering the way the others are absorbed, changing the way you metabolize them, increasing or decreasing the amount of each that gets into your bloodstream. 

While many people don’t think twice before taking an over-the-counter medicine or vitamin, it is important to ask your health care professional about each one to make sure they won’t interact with your other medications. After all, if your goal is to lose weight, why wouldn’t you want to make sure that everything you’re taking is going to support and help you get closer to that goal rather than hinder your progress or health? 

What Are Supplements?

Supplements can refer to any products that you consume orally or apply topically that contain one or more chemical substances, minerals, herbs, vitamins, enzymes, or medications. These products might be purchased in health food stores, pharmacies, or online and come in any form (pills, powders, liquids, oils, creams, or gummies). 

While they may be easy to purchase and not come with significant warning labels, all of these products can potentially have side effects and interact with certain medications. Always be sure to purchase your supplements from a trusted and reputable source, such as those available through Metabolic Research Center, and check with your pharmacist to make sure they won’t interact with any of your medications.

Can You Take Vitamins with Semaglutide?

Generally, taking a multivitamin when on semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists is considered safe and can even be beneficial. Many healthcare professionals may recommend you take the multivitamin a few hours before or after taking your GLP-1 agonist to minimize any issues with its absorption, and to stick to regular doses rather than high dose vitamins. 

Certain vitamins, like B vitamins and vitamin D are actually thought to play important roles in energy and metabolism and can help support your nutritional needs while taking GLP-1 medications. Because GLP-1 medications can affect your food intake and appetite, you may benefit from supplementing some vitamins and nutrients to ensure your body is getting adequate amounts.

Some high-dose vitamins, calcium and iron supplements can also affect the absorption of your semaglutide if you take them at the same time, so always be sure to ask your healthcare professional to recommend a good source of vitamins and when to take them. 

Can You Take Probiotics with GLP-1 Agonists?

A probiotic supplement is a dietary supplement (in fermented foods, powder, pill, or liquid) that contains live beneficial bacteria or yeasts. They are thought to be beneficial because they help to promote a healthy balance of microbiomes in your digestive tract. 

No major interactions have been found between probiotics and GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide. Probiotics, for some people, can even help to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 agonists! A health care professionals or Weight Loss Specialist at Metabolic Research Center can provide you with information about probiotic-containing supplements that can be taken in conjunction with your GLP-1 without contraindications.

Maintaining your gut microbiome with probiotics during periods of rapid weight loss can also help with proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Can You Take Protein Supplements with Semaglutide? 

Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining and building muscle mass. Semaglutide, like other GLP-1 agonists, can lead to weight loss but can also lead to loss of lean muscle mass. Protein supplements can be helpful to provide an adequate amount of protein during these periods of weight loss. 

While the best source of protein will be your food, some people have a hard time ingesting adequate protein while taking GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide. In these cases, a protein supplement such as a protein drink or bar can help people meet their daily protein intake goals without feeling as heavy on the stomach. 

Can You Take Omega Fatty Acids with GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide? 

Fish oils or omega supplements have been studied to be beneficial for cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. All of these benefits are things that can help you toward your weight loss goals. 

Omega fatty acids taken at recommended doses under the supervision of your healthcare providers are generally thought to be safe when taking GLP-1 medications. 

Supplements and Medications to Avoid or Use With Caution While Taking GLP-1 Agonists like Semaglutide 

The most common interaction that medications and supplements have with GLP-1 agonists is causing low blood sugar, which can be life-threatening. While we can’t provide a complete list of all medicines and supplements that interact with semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists, here are some examples you should know about:

• Bexarotene: Combining GLP-1 agonists with bexarotene can cause serious issues with the pancreas.
• Gatifloxacin: Combining GLP-1 agonists with gatifloxacin can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
• Other Blood Sugar Medications and Supplements: Medications that lower blood sugar must be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional when in combination with GLP-1 medications to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels.
• Certain Blood Pressure Medicines: Some blood pressure pills like lisinopril, ramipril, losartan, and valsartan can cause low blood sugar when taken with GLP-1 agonists.
• Certain Antidepressants: Some antidepressant medicines like fluoxetine, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine can cause low blood sugar when taken with GLP-1 agonists.
• Certain Antibiotics: Some antibiotics like cipro, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin, can cause low blood sugars when taken with semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Taking ALA with semaglutide can also cause low blood sugar levels. 

Preventing Interactions Between GLP-1 Agonists like Semaglutide and Other Medications

The best way to avoid having a bad interaction between your medications is to keep a detailed list of all of the things that you take, including supplements, vitamins, herbs and even teas and topical treatments. Armed with this list, you can check for any possible interactions with your pharmacist or healthcare professional before taking them. 

Recognizing if you are experiencing a medication interaction is also important. Always be aware of the way you are feeling so that you can quickly identify any new or worsening symptoms that develop after taking any medicine or supplement. This could include symptoms like changes in mood, sleep, digestion, energy levels, pain, or feeling lightheaded, nauseated, or dizzy. If you ever experience any symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider and let them know right away. For many individuals, the process of weight loss itself can cause symptoms that may feel like reactions to a supplement or medication; so, it’s important to discuss these feelings and symptoms with your health care professional to determine if adjustments need to be made to your supplementation regiment or if the symptoms you are experiencing are more likely an effect of making drastic lifestyle and dietary changes. For many individuals, non-life-threatening reactions may dissipate or lessen as your body adjusts and becomes more accustomed to your new healthy routines. 

Overall Recommendations Regarding Taking Supplements with GLP-1 Agonist Medications 

When you are on a medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet that contains the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need. For many people, it is not easy to get the recommended amounts of protein or certain vitamins due to a decreased appetite on these medications. Supplements are a great way to ensure you are getting all of these nutrients but it is important to make sure you are not taking anything that can interact in a bad way with your GLP-1 agonist. 

Summarizing what we went through above, most supplements such as protein, probiotics, and multivitamins are safe to be taken while on GLP-1 agonists. You should make sure to clear any and all medications and supplements with your pharmacist and/or health care provider to avoid any interactions that could affect the medication’s absorption or lead to side effects. 

Most importantly, if you ever suspect that you are experiencing a drug-drug interaction or have concerning symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Communicating openly with your healthcare provider about any and all supplements you take means they can help make adjustments to ensure your health and safety.

*The information provided within this article is not to replace a relationship with your Medical Professional. The laboratory services offered are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of Metabolic Research Center to provide medical advice but rather to provide you with information to better understand your health. Seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.