Mounjaro Supplements: Best Picks to Support Your Health

Mounjaro has many benefits that help you reach a healthy body weight, like reducing your appetite and lessening cravings. As you let Mounjaro work, and make healthier choices, you’ll be able to manage your weight long-term and improve your health. This is especially important for when you stop using Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

But eating less can also make it harder to meet nutritional requirements. This is where supplements can help.

When thinking about what to eat on Mounjaro, getting enough nutrition through whole foods is key long-term success. But what if you’re struggling to reach your nutritional goals through diet alone?

For example, if you struggle to get enough protein from your food (which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass as you lose weight), protein supplements can help you hit daily targets.

Other supplements can help manage side effects like nausea, fatigue or digestive issues. And you might also have challenges – like dietary requirements, medical considerations, allergic reactions or mobility limitations – that require supplementation.

So which vitamins and minerals will help you the most when losing weight on Mounjaro injections? This article will help you understand which supplements will best support you – and how to take them safely.

What Vitamins Should I Take with Mounjaro?

If you’re worried about developing nutritional deficiencies – or you’re just trying to eat healthier – supplements can help you get the vitamins and minerals you need. Other supplements can also help manage side effects and ease digestive discomfort.

Here are a few vitamins and minerals – and other nutritional supplements – you could consider including in your daily routine.

Multivitamins

If you feel like your nutrition is lacking on Mounjaro, multivitamins can be an easy way to reach the recommended amount for essential nutrients.

They often include vitamins such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body. It helps support the immune system and improves bone health by promoting calcium absorption.

We get vitamin D through UV from the sun and foods such as red meat, eggs and oily fish (which also have healthy fats). With our unfortunate lack of nice weather in the UK, it is unsurprising that around 1 in 6 adults have a vitamin D deficiency.

The UK government recommends that everyone take a daily vitamin D supplement from October to early March. Reducing your food intake might mean you miss out on vitamin D-rich foods too. So, the likelihood of a deficiency might be higher on Mounjaro.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that keeps your nerve and blood cells healthy.

The main food sources of vitamin B12 are meat, fish, dairy and some fortified foods like cereals. It doesn’t occur naturally in plant-based foods, so it’s recommended that all vegans take a vitamin B12 supplement.

On Mounjaro, you may find it hard to get enough vitamin B12. This is especially true if you’re eating less meat, dairy, and eggs than before.

Iron

Iron plays many important roles in the body, including maintaining and producing healthy blood.

For most people, eating a balanced diet provides enough iron. But if you feel tired and weak while on Mounjaro, you might not be getting enough.

While iron is in a lot of multivitamins, the dosage is much lower than the dose you’d be given if you have an iron deficiency. So if you think you have an iron deficiency, talk to your GP.

Too little or too much iron can also have significant side effects. This is especially important to be aware of if you have iron conditions such as anaemia (lacking iron) or hemochromatosis (iron overload). So don’t take iron tablets without speaking to your GP.

Zinc

Zinc has many important functions, including helping your body fight bacteria and viruses by boosting the immune system.

Foods rich in zinc include meat, shellfish and seeds. It is less bioavailable in plant-based diets, meaning the amount of zinc absorbed from plant-based foods and used by the body is often less than animal-based foods.

Other Supplements to Take with Mounjaro

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are salts and minerals found in bodily fluids like blood, urine and sweat. They keep you hydrated and are essential for your body to function properly. Loss of electrolytes can make you feel tired and cause cramping.

It is common to feel slightly nauseous and have less of an appetite, which can reduce your fluid intake. Diarrhoea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration. So, if you’re taking Mounjaro, you might be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte supplements can help restore this balance and help you with hydration. However, you only need to take them if you’re losing them to sweat, vomiting or diarrhoea. They should not be taken daily or to simply replace low water intake, as it can lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is important for muscle function, healthy nerves and energy levels. You should be able to get enough magnesium through your diet. Good sources include spinach, wholemeal bread and nuts.

Lack of magnesium can leave you feeling fatigued and experiencing cramping. A supplement like magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate can help alleviate these issues.

However, some forms like magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide have laxative properties, so you should avoid them or use them cautiously if you’re concerned about diarrhoea or gastrointestinal upset.

Fibre Supplements

Side effects of Mounjaro and other GLP-1 receptor agonists can result in gastrointestinal effects like constipation or diarrhoea.

That’s why getting enough fibre in your diet while on Mounjaro is so important. It supports healthy digestion and helps prevent common side effects. Fibre also promotes gut health by feeding the healthy gut bacteria and keeps bowel movements regular.

A review from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that fibre supplements helped adults with chronic constipation. However, supplements should only be used short-term to manage constipation. If you are experiencing constipation, seek advice from your local community pharmacist. They will assess your need for a laxative. 

Aim to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day and increase your fibre intake through diet. And make sure you are drinking enough water – at least two litres per day. Fibre absorbs water to form a gel-like substance in your digestive system. This helps soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.

Probiotics

The impact of Mounjaro on your gastrointestinal system and a reduced food intake can alter the balance of your gut microbiome.

Probiotic supplements are thought to contain beneficial bacteria that can help maintain and restore the natural balance of your gut microbiome and keep your gut happy. They can also help regulate bowel movements, ease bloating and improve overall digestive comfort.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have a range of benefits including keeping your heart healthy, reducing inflammation and improving brain function. It’s found in oily fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines. Plant-based sources include walnuts and flaxseeds.

But if you’re finding it hard to eat enough of these foods on Mounjaro, you might want to consider a supplement like cod liver oil or vegetarian omega-3 tablets.

Protein Powder

It is important, when on Mounjaro, to eat enough protein, as it can help you maintain muscle mass when you lose weight. Protein also helps you manage satiety and cravings, allows your body to repair tissues and supports a resilient immune system.

Adding protein powder into your diet is an easy way to up your intake when you’re not as hungry. However, while it’s a convenient option, protein supplements aren’t a substitute for a balanced and diverse diet.

So aim to eat enough protein-rich foods throughout the day, including lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy. Setting weekly protein goals can help you gradually increase your intake (in a sustainable and enjoyable way).

Ginger

Ginger is well known for its natural anti-nausea properties. This makes it a potentially valuable supplement that helps manage nausea from weight loss injections and helps support your digestion.

Risks of Dietary Supplements

While supplements can be helpful when you’re using Mounjaro, they are not completely risk-free. Taking too much or choosing the wrong products can cause some side effects.

Always check instructions and warnings on the packaging, and don’t exceed the recommended daily amount. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding supplements into your diet.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Taking too much magnesium or other electrolytes can cause electrolyte imbalance, resulting in unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a common side effect of Mounjaro.

Taking too many of these supplements may make the side effects worse. It can also cause irregular heart rates, confusion, breathing difficulties and vomiting.

Too Much Iron

According to the NHS, side effects of taking high doses of iron include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and constipation. Side effects can be much more serious – even fatal – if very high doses are taken.

You should only take iron supplements if you’re deficient or have low iron levels. It is extremely important to consult your GP before taking iron supplements.

Too Much Zinc

According to the NHS, taking too much Zinc can stop the body from absorbing copper. This can lead to anaemia and weaken bones.

Men need 9.5 mg of Zinc a day, while women need 7 mg.

How to Take Supplements Safely

Talk to a healthcare professional before you start taking any supplements.

Your GP or a pharmacist can help you understand what deficiencies you may have based on your current diet and health. If you’re concerned about deficiencies, a doctor can arrange a blood test to check your levels of key nutrients.

They will also make sure you avoid any potential interactions with medications you’re taking. And they’ll guide you through the correct dosage for each supplement.

In most cases, you can meet all your nutritional needs with a healthy and well-balanced diet. So, it’s important you don’t use supplements as a replacement for eating well and exercising. This will also prevent you from wasting your money on supplements you don’t need.

At Simple Online Pharmacy, our patient care team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about your diet and lifestyle, or how to manage while taking Mounjaro, we are here to help.

Key Takeaways

• How Supplementing Can Help: Supplements shouldn’t replace a healthy, balanced diet. But targeted supplementation can support digestion, prevent deficiencies, maintain energy, and preserve muscle mass.
• Supplements to Consider: A mixture of vitamins, minerals and probiotics are great ways to make sure you are avoiding any deficiencies and staying as healthy as possible.
• Risks of Over-Supplementation: Taking too much of certain supplements or the wrong products can have unpleasant side effects. This might include electrolyte imbalance, iron toxicity and worsened stomach issues.
• Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Always follow dosage guidance on packages and consult your GP or pharmacist if you have any questions. Here at Simple Online Pharmacy, our patient care team is available for you to discuss queries or concerns about diet and lifestyle while on Mounjaro.

Clinically reviewed by: Richard Wood, GPhC reg: 2078802

References

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NHS (n.d.) ‘Vitamins and minerals’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/ (Accessed: 5 February 2025).

Department of Health and Social Care (2022) ‘New review launched into vitamin D intake to help tackle health disparities’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-review-launched-into-vitamin-d-intake-to-help-tackle-health-disparities (Accessed: 5 February 2025).

The Vegan Society (n.d.) ‘What every vegan should know about vitamin B12’. Available at: https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-and-health/nutrients/vitamin-b12/what-every-vegan-should-know-about-vitamin-b12 (Accessed: 5 February 2025).

Wessels, I., Maywald, M. and Rink, L. (2017) ‘Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function’, Nutrients, 9(12), p. 1286. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9121286.

‌Hunt, J.R. (2003). Bioavailability of iron, zinc, and other trace minerals from vegetarian diets. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), pp.633S639S. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/78.3.633s.

West, H. (2018). Electrolytes: Definition, Functions, Imbalance and Sources. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/electrolytes.

van der Schoot, A., Drysdale, C., Whelan, K. and Dimidi, E. (2022). The effect of fiber supplementation on chronic constipation in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 116(4). doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac184.

NHS (2019). Probiotics. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/probiotics/.

Natto, Z.S., Yaghmoor, W., Alshaeri, H.K. and Van Dyke, T.E. (2019). Omega-3 Fatty Acids Effects on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Lipid Profiles among Diabetic and Cardiovascular Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scientific Reports, 9(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-54535-x. 

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‌Merschel, M. (2024). Electrolytes can give the body a charge, but try not to overdo it. [online] www.heart.org. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/19/electrolytes-can-give-the-body-a-charge-but-try-not-to-overdo-it.