The 10 Best Supplements to Take with Semaglutide Medication of 2024
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The 10 Best Supplements to Take with Semaglutide Medication of 2024

Nov 01, 2024

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Supplements to take with a semaglutide medication can help with lowered appetite, nausea, constipation, and more

Verywell Health / Marcus Millán

Semaglutides, like Ozempic and Wegovy, act like the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone to help manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss by enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Therefore, side effects of taking these medications can include changes in your appetite and how your body responds to food.

Supplements like multivitamins, protein powders, fiber, and ginger can help fill nutrient gaps and minimize side effects with semiglutide medication. To give you the best recommendations for supplements to take with semiglutide, we meticulously went through the research, and the experts we interviewed gave us the supplements they recommend for their patients.

Types of Supplements: Supplements to take with semiglutide can include a multivitamin or a single-nutrient supplement to help you get enough nutrients, especially if you have a low appetite. Protein powder or shakes can help you get enough protein, and a fiber or ginger supplement can help combat the side effects of constipation or nausea that can be common with these medications. An electrolyte drink can also help you stay hydrated.

What to Expect: When taking supplements with semaglutide, you can expect improved digestion, more nutrients, and relief from unwanted side effects. The length it takes to help with these can vary and may take a few days to weeks. Ask a healthcare professional for further guidance if you don’t see a supplement’s intended benefit.

Seek a Professional If: Speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement while on semiglutide medication. They can help you pick the best supplements and dosages for your needs.

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

Thorne

2 easy to swallow capsules

Includes wide range of vitamins and minerals

NSF Certified for Sport

Vegan

Some find it has a chalky aftertaste

Form: capsule | Serving size: 2 capsules per day | Noteworthy Ingredients: Most vitamins and minerals| Third-Party Tested: Yes

A semaglutide medication may cause changes in taste and appetite, making it hard to eat enough foods to provide your vitamin and mineral needs. If that’s the case, we recommend Thorne’s Basic Nutrients 2/Day as a multivitamin worth considering to cover any nutrient gaps in the diet.

Thorne’s multivitamin is comprehensive, with essential vitamins and minerals in appropriate dosages for many people. Key nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins in their active forms, meaning the body doesn’t need to alter them before using them. It also includes minerals like calcium, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. We love that it includes over 100% of the Daily Value of vitamin D, a nutrient hard to get enough of through food alone.

Thorne is a trusted brand committed to safety and quality. Their Basic Nutrients 2/Day is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it's rigorously third-party tested to ensure it contains exactly what's on the label without any unsafe contaminants or prohibited substances for athletes.

If you're taking anticoagulant drugs like Coumadin, note that this supplement contains vitamin K and can interfere with the medication.

Cristina Flores, RD, CSOWM, LDN, recommends taking a bariatric-specific multivitamin if you have had weight loss surgery. If that's the case, ask a healthcare professional which multivitamin they recommend.

Amazon

Natural soluble fiber

Forms a gel for easier bowel movements

Single-ingredient

Third-party tested

May cause gas and bloating in some

Form: Powder | Serving size: Up to 1 tablespoon daily | Noteworthy Ingredients: Psyllium husk | Third-Party Tested: Yes

Semaglutide medications slow down digestive motility, meaning you might go to the bathroom less often and feel constipated. If taking a semiglutide is causing you constipation, taking a fiber supplement like psyllium husk can help maintain bowel regularity. We recommend Organic India Whole Psyllium Husk Powder because it’s a naturally soluble fiber and third-party tested for ingredient accuracy and safe levels of heavy metals.

Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that dissolves in water in your digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance. This gel adds bulk and softness to your stool, helping move things along and making bowel movements easier and more regular. Psyllium husk also offers other health benefits, like regulating blood sugar levels by slowing down sugar absorption and lowering blood cholesterol.

The serving suggestion is one tablespoon daily, but to get started, we recommend mixing one to three teaspoons of psyllium husk with 12 ounces of water or a protein shake.

You can gradually increase to two tablespoons a day if needed, but remember, too much fiber can backfire and cause constipation. You might experience mild side effects like bloating and gas when starting, but they should go away.

Staying hydrated helps the psyllium husk expand and do its job effectively.

Amazon

Taste is subtle

Mixes easily

Convenient

Higher cost

Creates some froth when mixed

Form: Powder | Serving size: 1 scoop (22.3 grams) | Noteworthy Ingredients: Whey protein isolate | Third-Party Tested: Yes

Getting enough protein can be challenging, especially when your appetite is low while taking semiglutide medication. If this sounds familiar, we recommend Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate, a convenient source of protein that can help you reach your daily goals. This protein powder is a top pick as it is third-party tested (NSF Certified for Sport), easily digestible, and has a great taste and texture.

It is common to lose some muscle mass during your weight loss journey. Aim for at least 0.8-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day to avoid excess muscle loss, especially with a low appetite. In some cases, you may need closer to 1.5 grams per kg of body weight if you are engaging in regular exercise and looking to gain muscle mass. Each scoop of Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate provides 20 grams of protein, which can help you reach your protein needs. Plus, whey protein isolate is excellent for muscle building and repair, especially when combined with strength training—something you’ll want to consider adding to your routine if you haven’t already.

We love that Klean Athlete’s protein powder has no added sweeteners or flavoring agents. It has a subtle vanilla taste that's not overwhelming and can be mixed with various ingredients like fruits and greens for a tasty snack or meal. The texture is smooth and mixes easily with water, making it a convenient option even in a rush.

If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you’ll want to skip this and try a plant-based protein powder instead. Our top pick is KOS Organic Superfood Protein. It mixes smoothly and doesn’t have the grassy taste many vegan protein powders have. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great all-in-one option to skip the multivitamin.

Amazon

Lactose-free

Good source of calcium and vitamin D

Creamy like a milkshake

Contains sucralose, which can cause bloating

Form: Liquid shake | Serving size: One bottle (414 mL) | Noteworthy Ingredients: Filtered low fat Grade A milk, monk fruit, stevia, sucralose, vitamin D, and lactase enzyme | Third-Party Tested: N/A

As your dose of semaglutide medication increases, you might experience low appetite days as your body adjusts. This is especially common on the day of the injection and a few days after. During these times, a convenient protein shake like Fairlife’s Core Power High Protein Milk Shake can be a tasty and easy way to get the nutrients you need. This shake can be apired with a piece of fruit for a good option if you’re on the go.

Fairlife’s shake packs 26 grams of protein with just six grams of carbohydrates, making it a light yet helpful way to support weight loss. It is also lactose-free, provides 50% of your daily calcium needs, and is fortified with Vitamin D to help with calcium absorption, supporting bone health.

You can get creative with a protein shake: mix it with your morning coffee or use it as a milk substitute with cereal and berries. For an even higher protein boost on those low appetite days, Fairlife offers an elite version with 42 grams of protein.

We like that this shake has 0 grams of added sugar. However, it does contain sucralose, acesulfame potassium, stevia, and monk fruit, which some people avoid due to taste preferences or tolerance. Artificial sweeteners can cause digestive upset like bloating in some people.

Additionally, Fairlife’s shake includes carrageenan, a thickening agent. While studies have generally found carrageenan safe, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals.

Amazon

Informed Choice Certified

NSF Certified gluten-free

Works well in both hot and cold liquids

Hydrolyzed bovine collagen

Tastes kind of milky in plain water

Form: Powder | Serving size: One scoop (11 grams) | Noteworthy Ingredients: Collagen peptides from bovine | Third-Party Tested: Yes

Weight loss, especially when it's quick, can leave you with some loose skin as your body adjusts. Plus, the stress placed on your body from losing weight can sometimes lead to hair loss for some. A collagen supplement can help keep your skin firm and elastic. Collagen also supports keratin production—the main protein in hair—potentially reducing hair loss during your weight loss journey.

Though the research on collagen’s benefits is still growing, it’s a popular addition for many people. Our favorite collagen to take with semiglutide is Sports Research Collagen Powder, which provides 11 grams of collagen per scoop. Plus, it’s Informed Choice Certified, meaning it’s been third-party tested to contain only what is listed on the label.

We like the unflavored option and find it dissolves best in hot liquids. You can easily incorporate this supplement into your day—toss it into your morning coffee or other beverage for an extra protein kick.

The unflavored option has a somewhat milky taste, so you may want to mix it into a flavored drink. Remember that collagen isn’t a complete protein, so you should incorporate a diverse range of other protein sources to ensure adequate intake of all essential amino acids.

Amazon

Suitable amount of electrolytes for most people

No artificial flavors or sweeteners

Dissolves quickly and fully

Flavor is on the milder side

Form: Powder | Serving size: One packet (7.5 grams) | Noteworthy Ingredients: Sodium, magnesium, potassium and zinc | Third-Party Tested: No

Hydration might not be the first thing that comes to mind when taking a semaglutide medication. Still, drinking enough water can help promote digestion, optimize exercise performance, and be a substitute for high-calorie drinks. We love Hydrant’s Electrolyte Powder to enhance the flavor of plain water and provide electrolytes.

Incorporating electrolytes into your weight loss journey on a semaglutide can help prevent dehydration from sweaty workout sessions and help stabilize energy levels. Each packet of this supplement includes a moderate dose of electrolytes, including sodium (260 mg), potassium (200 mg), and magnesium (30 mg), enough to provide the benefits for most people.

We appreciate that this is flavored with fruit juice powder and contains no artificial sweeteners. The blood orange flavor has just enough sweetness to get you to drink more water without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it dissolves quickly and completely, so you don’t need kitchen gadgets to mix it when using these single-serve packets on the go.

Each of these packets has four grams of added sugar, and the recommendation is to keep added sugar intake below 10% of your total daily calories for most adults. We recommend sticking to one packet daily and two for those who sweat more.

If you’d rather have a sweeter-tasting electrolyte drink, we recommend checking out Ultima Replenisher.

Amazon

Safe for most people

Trusted natural remedy

Easy to take

May interact with certain medications

Form: Capsule | Serving size: Two capsules | Noteworthy Ingredients: Ginger root | Third-Party Tested: Yes

If you're on a semaglutide journey, you might encounter occasional nausea. While not everyone will experience it, nausea can pop up as your body adjusts to new doses of medication. When this happens, Nature’s Way Ginger Root can help. Ginger has been used for many health benefits, including dealing with pregnancy nausea, chemotherapy, or even the queasiness that comes with motion sickness. Elizabeth Sharp, MD, IFMCP says it’s a natural and safe supplement for most people to treat nausea, aid digestion, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and boost immunity.

Each serving of just two capsules has 1,100 mg of ginger root. You can take it as soon as you feel that queasy feeling sneaking up on you. Since nausea and indigestions with semaglutide often show up after indulging in a high-fat meal—think fried foods or maybe a bit too much peanut butter—you might want to take the ginger supplement with that meal to nip any potential indigestion in the bud.

Plus, Nature’s Way is a brand you can trust. They’re committed to quality, ensuring their products are top-notch through careful sourcing, manufacturing, and rigorous third-party testing.

Ginger can interact with some medications, including those for blood pressure, blood thinners, and diabetes. Because ginger may lower blood sugar levels—and you're already taking a semaglutide medication that does the same—it's best to avoid taking ginger on an empty stomach. Plus, skipping meals will make nausea worse.

Amazon

Standard recommendation dosage

Strong third-party testing

Free of most common allergens

Dosage not suitable for everyone

Research shows that people with obesity often have lower levels of vitamin D. In fact, Dr. Sharp suggests vitamin D deficiency can be common with chronic obesity.

Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health; without enough vitamin D, your body can’t absorb the calcium needed to strengthen bones properly. Vitamin D is also needed to help with fat metabolism, has anti-inflammatory effects, and influences insulin sensitivity—all key factors during weight loss.

We recommend NatureWise Vitamin D3 in 2,000 IU for a vitamin D supplement. It’s a trusted brand backed by strong third-party testing and comes in one easy-to-swallow soft gel. Taking it can help ensure you are getting enough vitamin D, especially if you don’t eat many vitamin D-rich foods.

A blood test to check your vitamin D levels is the best way to determine what amount of vitamin D will be best for you. While 2,000 IUs is a good dose for many, it isn’t perfect for everyone.

Amazon

Sustainably caught fish

Moderate dosage

Heart health benefits

A bit pricier

Form: Softgels | Serving size: Two Softgels | Noteworthy Ingredients: Purified deep sea fish oil, | Third-Party Tested: Yes

When taking semaglutide, higher-fat foods, including heart-healthy fatty fish, can sometimes cause digestive upset, making you prone to not eating these foods. The omega-3s in fatty fish help reduce inflammation, which is helpful if you have chronic low-grade inflammation. Omega-3s can help reduce post-workout soreness, which can be helpful if you are exercising. On top of that, they're heart-healthy, helping to lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol.

If you aren’t getting enough omega-3 foods while on a semiglutide and want a fish oil supplement, we recommend Nordic Naturals Omega-3. It has 1280 mg of omega-3s sourced from deep-sea, sustainably caught fish. Plus, it’s third-party tested, so you know you’re getting a supplement free of contaminants and an accurate ingredient label.

The American Heart Association recommends a higher dose of omega-3s if you want to lower elevated triglycerides. In this case, you can consider Nordic Naturals Ultimate 2X, which contains 2,150 mg of omega-3s and 1000 IUs of vitamin D3.

Omega-3s can interfere with various medications like blood thinners and blood pressure medication, so consult a healthcare professional before starting one.

Amazon

Bypasses the gut

Moderate dose

Cherry flavor

Contains artificial flavors

Form: Lozenge | Serving size: One lozenge | Noteworthy Ingredients: Vitamin B12 | Third-Party Tested: Yes

If your doctor has you on Metformin along with semaglutide, know that long-term use of Metformin (think several years) can sometimes lead to B12 deficiency. So, if you’ve been on it for a while, it might be worth measuring your B12 levels and taking a B12 supplement.

B12 has a role in energy production by helping convert food into glucose and supporting red blood cell production, which keeps oxygen flowing throughout your body.

We recommend trying Nature Made’s Sublingual Vitamin B12 because it’s USP-verified and can be especially helpful for those who have had bariatric surgery. Remember that you may not be absorbing certain vitamins as you did before the surgery, and a sublingual B12 is absorbed under your tongue, bypassing the gut. For those who haven’t had surgery, you might just like that this is one less pill to swallow and may even enjoy the taste.

This supplement packs 1,000 micrograms of B12, but if you need a bigger boost, you can opt for the 2,000 or even 3,000 microgram dose.

Note that these have a cherry flavor from artificial ingredients that not everyone will like.

These supplements may also come recommended by a healthcare professional and could be helpful while on semiglutide medications.

Probiotics: Probiotics may offer some gut health benefits, but there’s no specific research on which ones work best with semaglutide. They’re not likely to be harmful, though, so if you already take one, it’s probably safe to still take it with this medication.

Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract can be tied to weight loss claims thanks to caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). However, since semaglutide already helps with weight loss, adding green tea extract probably won’t offer much extra benefit. Green tea extract does provide antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. You can just drink more green tea for this benefit.

Berberine: Berberine is getting a lot of buzz and is sometimes dubbed “nature’s Ozempic.” While it might help with blood sugar levels and has some anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s not the same as semaglutide. A healthcare professional can advise if a berberine supplement is best for you to take with semiglutide.

Choosing the right supplements while on semaglutide depends on your diet and any side effects you might be experiencing. Supplements like omega-3s can help tackle issues like high cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. Ginger or fiber can help alleviate digestive symptoms while on semiglutide.

If you’ve had bariatric surgery in the past, have been on Metformin for a while, or are struggling with low appetite, vitamin B12 and a good multivitamin are more important. Other supplements may be used more sporadically, like a protein supplement when your appetite is low.

As always, speak with your healthcare provider before adding new supplements.

To find the best supplements to take with semaglutide, we dove into the latest research on how these medications work, what side effects come with them, and the population's concerns. Our recommendations follow evidence-backed guidelines, and you can learn more about our supplement methodology here.

We also chat with experts to determine which supplements work well with semaglutide and if they have any personal recommendations. Plus, we thoroughly vet all supplement companies to ensure they have rigorous in-house or third-party testing. This testing confirms that their products are accurate, trustworthy, and contaminant-free.

We spoke to the following healthcare professionals who work with patients taking semaglutide medications.

Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in both GI and women’s health and is one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors. She has worked with hundreds of patients taking different semaglutide medications and provides dietary and supplement recommendations based on individual needs. Shushy is passionate about converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends and research and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. She recommends products that she trusts and recommends to her clients.

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Maselli DB, Camilleri M. Effects of glp-1 and its analogs on gastric physiology in diabetes mellitus and obesity. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1307:171-192.

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Vitamin D: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Borsani B, De Santis R, Perico V, et al. The role of carrageenan in inflammatory bowel diseases and allergic reactions: where do we stand? Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3402.

Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee BY. Oral intake of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling in human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):826.

Oesser S. The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. International Journal on Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods and Novel Foods. Published online 2020.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020.

Li Z, Wu J, Song J, Wen Y. Ginger for treating nausea and vomiting: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2024;75(2):122-133.

Haghighat N, Sohrabi Z, Bagheri R, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of vitamin d status of patients with severe obesity in various regions worldwide. Obesity Facts. 2023;16(6):519-539.

Muresan GC, Hedesiu M, Lucaciu O, Boca S, Petrescu N. Effect of vitamin d on bone regeneration: a review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(10):1337.

Sadat-Ali M, AlTabash KW, Al-Turki HA, AlMousa SA, AlSayed HN. Time out: should vitamin D dosing be based on patient’s body mass index (Bmi): a prospective controlled study. J Nutr Sci. 2021;10:e106.

Albracht-Schulte K, Kalupahana NS, Ramalingam L, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in obesity and metabolic syndrome: a mechanistic update. J Nutr Biochem. 2018;58:1-16.

Kyriakidou Y, Wood C, Ferrier C, Dolci A, Elliott B. The effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):9.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Skulas-Ray AC, Wilson PWF, Harris WS, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for the management of hypertriglyceridemia: a science advisory from the american heart association. Circulation. 2019;140(12).

Aroda VR, Edelstein SL, Goldberg RB, et al. Long-term metformin use and vitamin B12 deficiency in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1754-1761. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3754.

Vitamin B12: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Al Mansoori A, Shakoor H, Ali HI, et al. The effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin b status and mental health. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1383.

By Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RDShushy has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices.

changes in your appetite and how your body responds to foodhelp fill nutrient gaps and minimize side effects with semiglutide medicationTypes of Supplements: What to Expect:Seek a Professional If:Form: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: essential vitamins and minerals in appropriate dosages rigorously third-party tested Form: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: Organic India Whole Psyllium Husk Powder soluble fiberforming a gel-like substancebulk and softness to your stoolbowel movements easier and more regular.regulating blood sugar levels lowering blood cholesterolmixing one to threeteaspoonsof psyllium husk with 12 ounces ofwaterForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: NSF Certified for Sport)0.8-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day to avoid excess muscle loss, especially with a low appetite.excellent for muscle building and repair no added sweeteners or flavoring agentssubtle vanilla tastemixes easily with waterKOS Organic Superfood ProteinForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: good option if you’re on the go26 grams of protein light yet helpful way to support weight loss.lactose-free50% of your daily calcium needsfortified with Vitamin D 0 grams of added sugarForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients:Third-Party Tested: keep your skin firm and elasticpotentially reducing hair loss dissolves best in hot liquidsForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: prevent dehydration help stabilize energy levelsmoderate doseflavored with fruit juice powdercontains no artificial sweetenersdissolves quickly and completely,single-serve packets on the gofour grams of added sugarForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: Elizabeth Sharp, MD, IFMCPtwo capsules has 1,100 mgcommitted to qualitybest to avoid taking ginger on an empty stomach people with obesity often have lower levels of vitamin D. , help with fat metabolism, has anti-inflammatory effects, and influences insulin sensitivityeasy-to-swallow soft gelForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients:Third-Party Tested: chronic low-grade inflammationreduce post-workout sorenesslower blood triglycerides and cholesterolForm: Serving size: Noteworthy Ingredients: Third-Party Tested: helping convert food into glucose supporting red blood cell productionsublingual B12 is absorbed under your tongue, bypassing the gutone less pill to swallow ProbioticsGreen Tea ExtractBerberineElizabeth Sharp, MD, IFMCPCristina Flores, RD, CSOWM, LDN