· By Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder + CEO of Pink Stork, Certified Health Coach, INHC
Do GLP-1 Medications Deplete Key Nutrients in Women?
Research increasingly links GLP-1 medications to a higher risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins, largely because these medications significantly reduce overall food intake.† A 2026 review of six studies covering more than 480,000 adults found nutritional deficiencies were a common consequence of GLP-1 therapy, not a rare side effect.1 If you are taking a GLP-1 medication, always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, since your individual nutrient needs and monitoring plan should be guided by your prescribing provider.
What the research actually shows
According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 2026 analysis published in Clinical Obesity found that vitamin D deficiency was the most common issue, affecting 13.6 percent of participants after 12 months of treatment in the largest study reviewed, with iron deficiency and B vitamin deficiency also documented.1 The researchers concluded that clinicians should treat nutritional deficiency monitoring as a standard part of GLP-1 care, not an afterthought.1
A separate retrospective study of adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists found that reduced dietary intake, combined with pre-existing risk factors common in people managing weight or blood sugar, can compound micronutrient shortfalls over time.2 A 2026 review comparing GLP-1 nutritional risk to lessons learned from bariatric surgery care noted that there are currently no consensus clinical guidelines for micronutrient monitoring in people taking these medications, which the review's authors flagged as a meaningful gap in care.3
"There are some positive data coming around GLP-1s and fertility, and it would be nice to get clinical trial data across different populations."
— Dr. Jummy Amuwo, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist
Why appetite suppression is the mechanism, not the medication directly
Researchers are careful to note that GLP-1 medications are not currently shown to directly block nutrient absorption in the way some other conditions or medications do.3 The concern is more straightforward: when appetite drops significantly and food volume decreases, total nutrient intake can fall below what your body needs, even when weight loss is going as expected.† This is why nutrient-dense eating and, for many women, additional whole-food nutrient support become more relevant during GLP-1 treatment, not less.
What whole-food nutrient density can offer
Iron is one of the nutrients most frequently flagged in this research. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, women of childbearing age are already among the groups most likely to have trouble getting enough iron, even without a medication affecting appetite.4 This is part of why whole-food nutrient density is worth a closer look during any season of significantly reduced food intake.
Our beef organ supplement formulated specifically for women supplies naturally occurring bioavailable iron, B-vitamins, and CoQ10 through whole-food organ powders, which some women find easier to incorporate consistently than remembering multiple single-nutrient supplements.†
- Bovine liver powder supplies naturally occurring bioavailable iron, vitamin A, and B-vitamins.†
- Bovine kidney powder supplies naturally occurring selenium, B12, and iron.†
- Bovine heart powder supplies naturally occurring CoQ10 and essential amino acids.†
For women specifically navigating GLP-1 use alongside a goal of future pregnancy, nutrient rebuilding takes on additional importance. We cover that transition specifically in our guide on prenatal nutrition after stopping a GLP-1 medication, including how Total Prenatal, a 22-nutrient blend with ScentCert technology, fits into that picture.
"Whatever season your body is in, whether you are adjusting medications, healing, or just trying to keep up, I believe good nutrition should meet you there, not add another thing to worry about."
— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork
Pink Stork Beef Organ Complex is the first beef organ supplement in its category to earn the Clean Label Project Purity Award, following third-party testing for more than 400 environmental and industrial contaminants, and is manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Do GLP-1 medications directly cause nutrient deficiencies?
Current research suggests GLP-1 medications do not directly block nutrient absorption. The risk comes primarily from significantly reduced food intake due to appetite suppression, which can lower total nutrient consumption over time.
Which nutrients are most commonly affected?
Research most frequently flags vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins, including B12 and folate, as the nutrients most likely to fall short during GLP-1 treatment.
Should I get bloodwork done while taking a GLP-1 medication?
Researchers and clinicians increasingly recommend nutritional monitoring as part of routine GLP-1 care. Talk with your healthcare provider about which labs make sense for your situation.
Can a whole-food supplement replace a multivitamin during GLP-1 treatment?
Whole-food supplements can be one part of supporting nutrient intake, but they are not a substitute for medical monitoring or your provider's specific recommendations.†
Is it safe to take supplements alongside a GLP-1 medication?
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement while taking a prescription medication, including GLP-1 medications.
Does this affect women differently than men?
The largest study reviewed included a majority female population, but researchers have not established that nutrient depletion risk differs specifically by sex. Women who are also of childbearing age carry additional baseline iron risk independent of GLP-1 use.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
