Jump to: Understanding vitamin needs | When to take supplements | Evidence-based recommendations | Take home message
The vitamins you might need while taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) depend on your individual circumstances.
While a balanced diet based on whole foods should provide us with everything we need, certain situations might benefit from targeted supplementation.
Four scenarios would determine whether you need to take supplements when losing weight on Mounjaro:
- You follow a plant-based vegan or vegetarian diet
- During the winter months in the UK, when we can’t produce vitamin D
- You’re losing weight quickly (more than 1kg/2.2lbs a week)
- You’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency and have been prescribed supplements to address it
However, this doesn’t mean everyone taking Mounjaro requires supplements. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about supplementation.
Understanding vitamin needs during weight loss
When losing weight with Mounjaro, your nutritional needs may change for several reasons:
Changes in food intake:
- Reduced appetite can lead to lower overall nutrient consumption
- Different eating patterns might affect nutrient absorption
- Some nutrients may be mobilised from fat stores (like stored vitamin D) during weight loss
Changes to our bodies:
- Our body may need additional support for energy production
- Certain vitamins become crucial for maintaining muscle mass
- Mineral requirements might shift as your body composition changes
When to take supplements on Mounjaro
Here are common situations where targeted supplementation might be beneficial:
1. Plant-based or vegetarian diets
If you follow a plant-based diet, consider:
Vitamin B12:
- Recommended dose: 2.4 mcg daily for adults
- Consider 10-25 mcg if over 50 or strictly plant-based
- Sublingual (under the tongue) forms may improve absorption
Iron:
- Dosing varies by individual need
- Women often need higher doses (women’s iron needs are ~3X more than men on average)
- Take with vitamin C for better absorption
2. Limited sun exposure or winter months
For UK residents, particularly during autumn and winter:
Vitamin D3:
- Evidence suggests: 25 mcg (1,000 IU) daily
- During weight loss: Consider 32-36 IU per pound of body weight
- Always take with a meal containing fat to improve absorption
3. Rapid weight loss (more than 1kg per week)
B vitamins:
- B12: 2.4 mcg daily
- Or, choose a B-complex containing 100% RDA of key B vitamins
Vitamin C:
- Men: 90mg daily
- Women: 75mg daily
Magnesium:
- Men: 400-420mg daily
- Women: 310-320mg daily
- Choose magnesium glycinate for better absorption
4. Diagnosed deficiency
Doses will depend on the severity of deficiency and clinical symptoms. Typically, supplements to treat a deficiency will be higher than recommended.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about your current supplement dosing.
Evidence-based recommendations
If supplementation is appropriate for your situation, consider these research-based guidelines:
Optimising absorption:
Timing considerations:
- B vitamins and vitamin C for energy support
- Take with breakfast to aid absorption
- Take on different day to Mounjaro injection
- Iron (away from caffeine)
- Magnesium to support sleep quality
- Fat-soluble vitamins with dinner
Absorption strategies:
- Separate certain supplements:
- Take calcium and iron at least 2 hours apart or on different days
- Space zinc and iron supplements
- Combine vitamin C with iron for better absorption
Monitoring and safety
Regular monitoring ensures safe and effective supplementation:
- Baseline assessment:
- Complete blood work before starting supplements (if possible)
- Document any existing symptoms
- Review current medications with healthcare provider
- Ongoing monitoring:
- Schedule follow-up tests every 3-6 months
- Track any new symptoms or side effects
- Adjust supplementation based on results
Take home message
While vitamin supplementation can support your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, it’s essential to:
- Focus first on obtaining nutrients through whole foods
- Consider supplements based on individual needs and blood work
- Work closely with healthcare providers for personalised guidance
- Monitor your response and adjust as needed
Remember that supplementation needs may change throughout your journey. Regular check-ins with your healthcare team can help ensure your nutritional strategy remains appropriate and effective.
Second Nature’s medication programme
Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
