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Nutrient deficiencies in GLP-1 receptor agonist users

March 04 2026. A review published January 19, 2026, in Clinical Obesity reported the findings of six recent studies that revealed insufficient intake of essential nutrients among individuals using popular glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) drugs.

GLP-1RA drugs, including semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide, treat obesity and type 2 diabetes by suppressing appetite as well as by altering nutrient absorption and delaying stomach emptying. The review included six studies that evaluated nutritional intake during treatment with GLP-1RAs among a total of 480,825 adults. Vitamin D deficiency was the most common nutrient deficit, occurring among 7.5% of study participants after six months of GLP-1 RA use and among 13.6% of participants after 12 months. Intake of the vitamin averaged 20% of recommended amounts. Insufficiencies of vitamins B1 and B12 were found to increase over time with GLP1-RA use.

Among minerals, GLP1-RA users had 26% to 30% lower levels of ferritin which indicated decreased iron stores in comparison with individuals who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitor drugs for weight management. Calcium and iron were consumed by over 60% of GLP1-RA users at amounts that were lower than estimated requirements. Insufficient calcium as well as protein were reported as contributors to lean body mass loss.

"GLP-1RA therapy is associated with meaningful nutritional deficiencies," authors Jorge Urbina and his associates concluded. "Targeted nutritional assessment and individualized laboratory evaluation may be appropriate for patients at increased risk of malnutrition."

Another recent review appearing January 5, 2026, in the journal Obesity Reviews identified "a critical gap" in the assessment of the dietary intake of recipients of GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonists in clinical trials. In 41 randomized trials that evaluated GLP-1 or GIP RA use that were evaluated by the team, only two measured or reported dietary intake or changes.

—D Dye

Umbrella review affirms benefits of collagen to skin, muscle

March 02 2026. An umbrella review that included 16 systematic reviews and meta-analyses concluded that consuming collagen has benefits for skin, bone and muscle. The review was published January 30, 2026, in Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

"Collagen is a protein with multiple roles within the human body such as supporting fibroblast formation in the dermis, replacing dead skin cells, protection of organs, giving structure, strength and elasticity to the skin, and a primary role in blood clotting," authors Roshan Ravindran, MD, and colleagues explained. "It has been suggested that the body's collagen production slows down over time, decreasing by 1% a year beginning in early adulthood."

The umbrella review's 16 meta-analyses included 113 randomized, controlled trials involving a total of 7,983 participants. Analysis of the meta-analyses data concluded favorable outcomes for collagen in skin rejuvenation, with benefits in hydration and elasticity. Trials that examined musculoskeletal health revealed improvements in fat-free mass and muscle architecture, with modest increases in maximal strength. When osteoarthritis was evaluated, collagen was associated with improvements in pain as well as Visual Analogue Scale scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total scores. Effects on oral health were mixed. The cardiometabolic benefits of collagen were less definitive, although worthy of further exploration according to the authors.

"Given the scale and scope of this umbrella review, the most comprehensive to date, there is now a compelling rationale for clinical guideline bodies, research councils, and public health institutions to reappraise the role of collagen in preventive health strategies," they remarked. "The signal is clear: collagen, once relegated to cosmetic marketing, now shows potential as a legitimate adjunct in the prevention or management of age-related decline in connective tissue integrity."

—D Dye

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