Studies found GLP-1 drugs may increase risk of nutrient deficiencies

Many people who have diabetes or obesity were happy about the GLP-1 drugs on the market. They found hopes to cure diabetes, obesity, and its related diseases. A 2026 review of six studies found that people with diabetes or obesity taking GLP-1 medications were prone to developing a number of nutrient deficiencies: vitamin D, iron, and B vitamin specifically.

According to NIH, ” Researchers reviewed six studies involving 480,825 adults with diabetes, Vitamin D deficiency was the most common abnormality, occurring in 7.5% at 6 months and 13.6% at 12 months. Iron depletion was frequent, with GLP-1RA users demonstrating 26%-30% lower ferritin levels than SGLT2 inhibitor comparators. More than 60% of users consumed below estimated requirements for calcium and iron, and vitamin D intake averaged 20% of recommendations. Protein and calcium insufficiency contributed to lean mass loss, while thiamine and cobalamin deficits increased over time. GLP-1RA therapy is associated with meaningful nutritional deficiencies. Targeted nutritional assessment and individualised laboratory evaluation may be appropriate for patients at increased risk of malnutrition. Findings are mainly derived from observational datasets, and causality between GLP-1RA therapy and nutritional deficiencies cannot be definitively established.”

This study suggests that “The researchers concluded that doctors should consider nutritional deficiencies “a common consequence” of GLP-1 therapy and monitor their patients’ nutritional status accordingly. Dr. Robert Shmerling, senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing, adds that people taking GLP-1 medications should make sure they’re getting enough nutrients (especially vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins) and consider taking a daily multivitamin.

More importantly, Individual who takes GLP-1 drugs need to talk to their physicians get appropriate requirements of taking micronutrients for better health. Taking GLP-1 to improve diabetes and obesity but in the long run, you have to decide what you take for less side effects. Exercise daily and healthy diets are may be work for you without “Ozempic face” syndrome.

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