You may be considering taking supplements while you’re on Mounjaro but you likely won't need to. It's possible to get everything you need from a well-rounded diet.
But if reduced appetite, or side effects like nausea, heartburn, or indigestion are making it challenging to get all the nutrients you need from food, supplements can help you meet your nutrient needs and minimise side effects like constipation and diarrhoea.
In this guide, we’ll look at when and why to take supplements, who should take what supplements, and which to avoid if you’re taking Mounjaro.
Three key takeaways:
Supplements aren’t always necessary, but they can help if side effects or reduced appetite make it challenging to get all the nutrients you need from food.
Some supplements like fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics can help reduce side effects like diarrhoea and constipation.
Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regime, as some can be unsafe for certain people.
Do I need to take supplements with Mounjaro?
No, you don’t necessarily need to take supplements while taking Mounjaro.
But reduced appetite or Mounjaro side effects like nausea, indigestion, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea can make it difficult to eat enough to get all the nutrients you need, as your body adjusts to your current dose.
If this happens, supplements can be a convenient way to fill any nutritional gaps in your Mounjaro diet.
Not all supplements will suit everyone, so if you’re thinking about taking any supplements that could pose potential health risk, talk to your prescriber before starting.
What supplements should I take on Mounjaro?
The best supplements for you will depend on your diet, any nutrient deficiencies you may have, and what side effects you might be experiencing. Let’s break down your options:
Fibre supplements
Fibre supplements can be helpful if you’re experiencing constipation as a side effect.
It’s better to get your fibre from high-fibre foods rather than supplements. But high-fibre foods tend to be very filling.
You might not have the appetite to eat enough fibre, due to Mounjaro’s appetite suppressing effects. In this case, fibre supplements are a great idea.
Protein supplements
Rapid weight loss can also lead to muscle loss, so protein is one of the most important nutrients if you’re trying to lose weight, because it helps you build and maintain muscle.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you need at least0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (kg) of bodyweight daily.
If you’re struggling to hit your protein goals, protein powders and shakes make a convenient and quick way to boost this essential nutrient.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for your:
immune system
energy levels
bones
muscles
teeth
The best way to get Vitamin D is sun exposure, which causes your liver to produce it naturally.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK due to the less-than-perfect weather. So best way to get it is from a vitamin D supplement or from fortified foods like breakfast cereals.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy and red blood cell production. Inadequate B12 can lead to:
extreme tiredness
muscle weakness
vision problems
issues with memory and focus
B12 is only found in animal products like meat and eggs.
So if you’re plant-based, or if reduced appetite is making it hard to eat enough animal products, a B12 supplement is a great idea.
Iron
Iron is crucial for sustaining energy and preventing anaemia.
You may be at risk of iron deficiency if you:
follow a plant-based diet
are pregnant
have heavy periods
If you’re at risk of anaemia, or if you’re experiencing fatigue as a side effect of Mounjaro, talk to a health professional about iron supplements.
Magnesium glycinate
Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium that’s typically better tolerated than other forms available in supplements.
Magnesium helps to maintain muscle health, reduce cramps and improve sleep, which is essential if fatigue is a side effect you’re experiencing.
Magnesium glycinate also causes less digestive side effects than other forms, which makes it a great option if you’re taking Mounjaro.
Omega-3 supplements
If you’re not eating oily fish, omega-3 supplements are great for heart and eye health and may also have some benefits for your joints, which can help you stay active.
Omega-3s come in both vegan and non-vegan forms including:
cod liver oil
krill oil
flax seed oil
hemp seed oil
microalgae
Collagen supplements
Loose skin can be a side effect of weight loss for some people.
Although research is mixed, there’s some evidence that collagen supplements can help skin to regain elasticity and tightness.
Collagen supplements come in powders and capsules you take orally and in topical serums that you apply to the skin.
Supplements for men vs women
Due to biological factors, men and women may be at differing risks of certain deficiencies and may need to supplement differently.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and supplementation, though.
It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider who can do blood tests to check what, if any, nutrients you’re deficient in and may need to supplement.
Mounjaro supplements for men
Men typically have more muscle mass than women and require more daily calories.
Because of this, it’s a good idea for men to supplement protein if they can’t get enough from food, to help maintain muscle while losing weight.
Men are also more at risk for B12 deficiency, possibly due to genetic factors, so B12 supplements for men are recommended.
Mounjaro supplements for women
Recent research suggests around 45% of women have a vitamin D deficiency, compared to just 17% of men, so it’s especially important for women to supplement vitamin D.
Due to blood loss during menstruation, which can lead to lowered iron levels in the blood, it’s also a good idea for women to supplement with iron, even when you’re not on your period.
What supplements to avoid with Mounjaro?
Supplements to avoid on Mounjaro include herbal supplements like
St. John’s Wort
Ginseng
‘fat burning’ supplements with ingredients like green tea and caffeine.
These can reduce the medication’s effectiveness and trigger digestive side effects.
It’s also not recommended to take higher than the recommended daily amounts of fat-soluble vitamins like:
vitamins A
vitamin D
vitamin E
vitamin K
A buildup of these vitamins in your bloodstream can become toxic.
This effect is only possible if you’re consuming these vitamins in supplement form, though, so getting them from your diet is perfectly safe.
“It can be tempting to overcorrect if you’re worried you have a nutrient deficiency. But good health is all about balance, there’s definitely some truth to the old saying ‘too much of a good thing’. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tests to assess your current nutrient levels and go from there. Supplements may not be necessary for everyone.”
There are some supplements men shouldn’t take without consulting a healthcare professional first.
One 2018 study found that men with high levels of omega-3s in their blood were more likely to develop prostate cancer, so talk to your healthcare provider to figure out your current levels of omega-3 before taking supplements.
Gut health supplements on Mounjaro
Both probiotic and prebiotic supplements may help digestion and improve the health of your microbiome (the friendly bacteria that live in your gut).
Probiotics can also help keep your immune system strong and help prevent and reduce Mounjaro side effects like diarrhoea.
Some limited evidence also suggests probiotics can be helpful for constipation or bloating, but further research is needed.
Safety and Red Flags
You should always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regime if you’re taking Mounjaro.
Some supplements can interfere with Mounjaro’s effectiveness or cause health issues.
Seek medical help if you’re taking Mounjaro and experience:
“Certain supplements can interfere with how Mounjaro works in the body, and some can trigger or worsen certain side effects. Always talk to a healthcare professional before you begin taking any supplement, we’re here to help”
No, not necessarily. It’s best to get the nutrients you need from food or sunlight (in the case of vitamin D), but if you’re struggling to eat enough, due to side effects or reduced appetite, supplements can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Can I take protein shakes on Mounjaro?
Yes, you can take protein shakes on Mounjaro. Protin is crucial to maintaining muscle mass, which helps you lose weight, so if you’re struggling to eat enough protein due to side effects or reduced appetite, protein shakes can help you hit your protein goals.
Should I take iron or B12 while using Mounjaro?
Maybe. It’s important to get enough B12 and iron to prevent anaemia, but check your current levels with your health provider first. Men are more likely to be deficient in B12 and women are more likely to be deficient in iron.
What supplements should I avoid?
It’s a good idea to avoid having too much vitamin A, K, and E, from supplements, as these can become toxic if they build up in your system. St. John’s wort and herbal weight loss supplements can interfere with Mounjaro’s effectiveness so should be avoided.
Can men and women benefit from different supplements?
Yes. Women may benefit more from omega-3s, as men are at higher risk of prostate cancer if their levels are too high. Men are more likely to have B12 deficiencies, while women are more likely to have Vitamin D and iron deficiencies, so supplement accordingly.
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