Ask a Provider: Do I Really Need Supplements on GLP-1s?

What Providers See with GLP-1 Patients

Many licensed providers who work with GLP-1 patients report common concerns, including:

• Appetite suppression that may lead to significantly smaller meal portions
  
• Reduced thirst cues, making it harder to stay hydrated
  
• Fatigue, constipation, or muscle loss, sometimes tied to insufficient protein or fluid intake
  
• Difficulty tolerating full meals, especially early in therapy
  
  

While these issues aren’t universal, they are common enough that many providers monitor nutrition-related markers closely. Changes in appetite, digestion, and food preferences may prompt healthcare professionals to recommend lifestyle adjustments, including supplementation, when appropriate. In many cases, this includes attention to fiber, hydration, and protein intake early in treatment.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Why Supplementation May Be Considered

Supplements are not required for everyone, and they should never replace a balanced diet or professional medical advice. But for patients experiencing reduced appetite, GI side effects, or significant dietary shifts, supplementation may help fill temporary gaps in hydration, protein, fiber, and micronutrients.

Below are four areas where nutritional support is often discussed in clinical care plans:

1. Hydration and Electrolytes

Why It Matters:
GLP-1 medications can unintentionally reduce hydration by suppressing thirst and slowing gastric emptying. At the same time, patients often eat less, reducing their intake of electrolyte-rich foods and fluids.

Common Signs of Inadequate Hydration:

• Headaches
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Fatigue or sluggishness
  
• Constipation
  
  

Why Water Alone Might Not Be Enough:
Hydration depends not just on water, but on electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Without these, fluids may pass through the body without effectively rehydrating tissues, especially if food volume is low.

Suggested Support:
Gainful Hydration contains electrolytes and may be used as part of a hydration strategy when dietary intake is reduced.

Tip: Start your morning with water and electrolytes to support fluid balance throughout the day.

2. Protein for Lean Mass Preservation

Why It Matters:
GLP-1s can significantly reduce appetite, making it harder to consume enough protein to preserve muscle mass. A 2024 review published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that up to 39% of total weight lost during GLP-1 therapy may come from lean body mass when protein intake and resistance training are insufficient.

Why This Is a Concern:
Losing lean mass can affect energy levels, metabolism, and long-term weight maintenance. It’s especially important to maintain muscle while losing fat.

Suggested Support:
Gainful Lean Protein offers personalized whey or plant-based formulas that are easy to digest and designed for low-volume intake, ideal when full meals aren’t always possible.

Tip: Aim for 20–30 grams of protein per meal. Use a supplement if your appetite limits solid food.

3. Fiber and Micronutrient Support

Why It Matters:
Eating fewer total calories often means fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to lower fiber and phytonutrient intake. This may affect digestion, gut health, blood sugar stability, and energy.

Common Signs of Low Fiber Intake:

• Irregular digestion
  
• Low energy
  
• Reduced variety in the diet
  
• Skin dullness or fatigue
  
  

Suggested Support:
Gainful Daily Performance Greens includes plant-based ingredients that may help support general nutrient intake during times of reduced appetite.

Tip: Add one scoop to water or a shake mid-morning or with a light meal.

4. Digestive Balance

Why It Matters:
GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, which can result in digestive changes like bloating, nausea, or constipation. Reduced food variety or lower fiber intake may compound these issues.

Why Support May Help:
Probiotics and digestive enzymes may assist in nutrient breakdown and support gut microbial balance, especially during dose escalation or appetite suppression phases.

Suggested Support:
Gainful Gut Health Performance Boost contains probiotics and digestive enzymes and may be considered as a way to support general digestive wellness when food volume is reduced.

Tip: Use with your largest meal of the day to support digestion when you’re eating the most.

‍

A Combined Approach: Eden + Gainful

Eden connects patients with independent, licensed healthcare providers who specialize in metabolic health. These providers monitor your progress and may make evidence-based recommendations, including lifestyle adjustments or supplement strategies, based on your individual needs.

Gainful offers personalized, science-backed supplements for hydration, protein, fiber, and digestive support. While supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet, they may offer added support during times when nutritional intake is limited.

Together, Eden and Gainful aim to provide a structured, patient-centered approach to care. This includes ongoing medical evaluation paired with targeted, customizable nutritional support, helping patients stay comfortable and consistent throughout their treatment plan.

‍

Conclusion: Do You Really Need Supplements on GLP-1s?

There’s no universal answer. Some people meet their needs through food, hydration, and routine clinical care. Others may find that reduced appetite or digestive changes make it more difficult to maintain comfort and nutrient intake.

Licensed providers can help assess whether support strategies, including supplements, may be helpful. Eden connects patients to these professionals, while Gainful offers optional, science-informed products designed to complement GLP-1 routines when nutrition becomes more challenging.

As always, decisions about supplementation should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider.

‍

{{primary-cta}}

‍

Explore More from This Series:

• The 4 Most Common Side Effects of GLP-1s and How to Manage Them
  
• Why You're Feeling Sluggish: The Hidden Dehydration Effect of GLP-1s
  
• Muscle Loss on GLP-1s? What You Need to Know
  
• Gut Trouble on GLP-1s? How to Support Your Digestion
  
• The Nutrition Gap No One Talks About on GLP-1s
  
• What a Balanced GLP-1 Routine Looks Like
  
• How to Stick With Your GLP-1 Plan Long Term

‍