Saxenda & Zinc
Depletes Zinc. This medication is commonly used for Weight Loss
Why Saxenda affects Zinc
GLP‑1 receptor agonists, used for diabetes and weight management, can increase the risk of zinc deficiency because they significantly reduce overall food intake in people who often start out with marginal zinc status. Observational data in GLP‑1 users show rising diagnoses of mineral deficiencies, including zinc, over the first year of therapy, consistent with lower intake and rapid weight loss. To help maintain immune function, wound healing, and normal taste and smell, many experts recommend emphasizing zinc‑rich foods and supplementation for patients with low intake, hair loss, or other deficiency signs.
Clinical Evidence
Scott Butsch W, Sulo S, Chang AT, Kim JA, Kerr KW, Williams DR, Hegazi R, Panchalingam T, Goates S, Heymsfield SB. Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study. Obes Pillars. 2025 Jun 10;15:100186. Kerlikowsky F, Krämer K, Eggersdorfer M, Hahn A. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists - Good for Body Weight, Bad for Micronutrient Status? Curr Dev Nutr. 2025 Oct 30;9(11):107587. Sibal R, et al. Macronutrient, Micronutrient Supplementation and Monitoring for Patients on GLP-1 Agonists: Can We Learn from Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery? Nutrients. 2025 Nov 23;17(23):3659. Kanai R, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide administered after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Effects on body weight, glycemic control, and measured nutritional metrics in Japanese patients having both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Obes Pillars. 2024 Jan 3;9:100098. Alhaj E, Alhaj N, Alhaj NE. Diffuse alopecia in a child due to dietary zinc deficiency. Skinmed. 2007 Jul-Aug;6(4):199-200. Mahmoud H, et al. Zinc Status in Kurdish Adults With Hair Loss. Cureus. 2024 Aug 20;16(8):e67264. Searle T, Ali FR, Al-Niaimi F. Zinc in dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Aug;33(5):2455-2458.
Recommended Replacement
Zinc (as Zinc Bisglycinate) — 12.5mg
Supplement Recommendation
Zinc Bisglycinate by Pure Encapsulations — 15 mg
Other Nutrients Affected by Saxenda
- Folic Acid — Depletion
- Vitamin D3 — Depletion
- Calcium — Depletion
- Vitamin B12 — Depletion
- Iron — Depletion
- Potassium — Suppression
- Magnesium — Suppression
- Chromium — Suppression
- Vitamin B2 — Suppression
- Vitamin B6 — Suppression
- CoQ10 — Suppression
Get Support
Prolonged use of Saxenda can leave gaps in your nutrition. A targeted supplement can help restore balance while you continue treatment.
GLP-1 Support™
A bespoke formula designed to replenish the nutrients depleted by Saxenda.
Once Daily Capsule · Rx Not Required
Learn More