Recent advancements with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) result in approximately 15 % or more weight reduction. Scientific research addressing specific nutritional concerns with GLP-1RA are still emerging. While some guidelines currently exist for nutritional considerations, they are largely focused on side effect management and providing basic dietary guidance during GLP-1RA.
Highlights
Unintended consequences of GLP1-RA may result in poor nutrient status, muscle loss, and metabolic dysfunction.
Meta-analyses support dietary supplements as potential adjunct tools to help manage unintended side effects.
Multivitamins and protein supplements address common nutrient gaps and help meet higher protein needs.
Creatine, HMB, antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics offer targeted benefits supporting enhancing the overall wellness.
Methods
This narrative review aims to provide practical evidence-based considerations for dietary supplementation to help optimize health outcomes while using GLP-1RA. We reviewed available literature of dietary supplementation interventions among individuals with obesity, weight loss clinical trials, and adiposity-related complications to help guide clinicians on potentially advantageous supplementation.
Results
Robust data from meta-analyses provides justification for a variety of dietary supplements that can support the unintended consequences of GLP-1RA treatments. Multivitamins are recommended to address micronutrient insufficiencies as determined by individual deficiencies and suboptimal intake. Protein supplements can help individuals meet daily protein intake recommendations of 1.2–2.0 g/kg/d. When combined with resistance training, whey protein can help preserve lean body mass during weight loss, with additional strength benefits from creatine monohydrate and β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate supplementation. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. Fiber and probiotics can improve bowel regularity and mitigate side effects.
Conclusion
Healthcare providers play an active role in supporting their patients with comprehensive obesity treatment. Guidance should focus on improving their long-term health and potentially mitigating unintended consequences. Optimizing nutrient intakes with therapeutic doses of dietary supplements may enhance outcomes when used alongside GLP-1RA, such as increasing nutrient status, retaining lean mass, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and improving gastrointestinal health.
