Can I take supplements and vitamins with my GLP-1, and will it affect my blood work?

Most popular supplements and vitamins can be taken alongside a GLP-1 such as tirzepatide or semaglutide. GLP-1 medications have very few known drug interactions. Still, tell your Belle care team about everything you take, and check with your primary care provider (PCP) before adding a new supplement.

For prescription and over-the-counter medicines (like ibuprofen, cold medicine, or antidepressants), see "What drug interactions should I know about on a GLP-1?"

Supplements people commonly ask about

Berberine: Berberine is not contraindicated with tirzepatide, and it should be safe to use alongside a GLP-1. If you took it before and it worked well for you, you can continue. Because berberine can affect blood sugar and digestion, let your care team know you take it, especially if you also take any diabetes medication.

Oil of oregano and pumpkin seed oil: These are generally fine to take with GLP-1 injections. Like berberine, they can affect digestion, so check in with your provider if your stomach feels worse after starting them.

Magnesium: Magnesium (for example magnesium glycinate or citrate) is generally fine to take with a GLP-1. Some forms, like magnesium citrate, can loosen your stools, so let your care team know if your stomach feels worse after starting it.

Beef liver, multivitamins, and other everyday supplements: There are very few interactions between tirzepatide and B12, and beef liver supplements are safe to take with them. For the supplements Belle's providers recommend when you start a GLP-1 (protein, a multivitamin, electrolytes, vitamin D3 with K2, creatine and biotin), with daily amounts, see Which supplements does Belle recommend, and is creatine safe?

Specific branded products (for example gas and bloating relief supplements, or other "GLP-1 support" blends and teas): We can't say yes or no to every product, because ingredients vary from brand to brand. Send us the product name or a photo of the ingredient label and your care team will review it. Your pharmacist can also check ingredients for you.

Sleep supplements with tesamorelin (GABA, melatonin, magnesium glycinate): These can be taken at night with tesamorelin. Keep avoiding food for 1 to 2 hours before your injection so your growth hormone response is not blunted.

B vitamins: B12 and B6

B12: Yes, you can take B12 with a GLP-1. Many patients find it helps with energy and with side effects. Belle offers MIC+B12 as a separate purchase if you would like to add it.

B6 in hair, skin, and nail supplements: Safe to continue. Most Belle compounded medication now contains L-carnitine rather than B6, and the versions that do contain B6 have only a very small amount, so a B-vitamin supplement does not overlap with it or cause an interaction.

If your doctor told you to lower your B12 because your blood level was high: B6 and B12 are different vitamins, so the small amount of B6 some formulations contain will not raise your B12 level. If you would like your next order without added B vitamins, message your care team and they can switch you to a formulation without them.

If a blood test shows high B12: Tell your doctor and your Belle care team which B12 or B-complex products you take, so they can decide together whether to keep or stop them.

Blood work and lab tests

You do not need to stop tirzepatide before routine blood work. Tirzepatide can change some results, such as A1C and blood glucose, but it moves them in a healthy direction rather than hiding a problem. If your doctor is worried about a particular lab, ask them which one and why. Then share that with your Belle care team.

Blood donation: Taking tirzepatide is not a problem for donating blood. Tell the donation center you take injections and bring your medication list. They may have their own extra requirements.

A few related health questions

Underweight BMI: GLP-1 medications are not safely prescribed if your BMI is in the underweight range. They suppress appetite and can cause further weight loss. If this applies to you, message your care team and talk with your PCP about alternatives.

Endometriosis: Tirzepatide is prescribed for weight management, not for endometriosis. Some patients report changes in their symptoms on a GLP-1, but that is not what it is prescribed for. Keep your endometriosis care with your gynecologist or PCP.

A past serious allergic reaction: If you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to a compounded medication, please do not start a new formulation on your own. It can be hard to tell which ingredient caused a reaction, so the safest step is a call with a Belle provider before you start. If you ever have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or feel faint after an injection, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When to contact your care team

Message us if you:

• Plan to add a new supplement and you take diabetes medication or have a medical condition
• Notice new or worse stomach symptoms after starting a supplement
• Want to change which vitamins are in your Belle medication
• Are not sure whether a product is safe with your treatment