A row of GLP-1 agonist injectors against a pink background.

How Empty Capsules Enhance Nutritional Supplementation for GLP-1 Users

GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound, are a class of medications that have been rapidly rising in popularity. Prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists have increased by 300% between 2018 and 2023, with over 9 million prescriptions being written for them in 2022 alone. Initially approved by the FDA as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, in recent years GLP-1 agonists have become synonymous with weight loss. With attention from the media along with celebrity endorsements, the focus on taking GLP-1 medications for the purpose of weight management has lately taken a firm hold in the United States. And it’s looking like these medications aren’t going anywhere; according to the CDC, more than 2 in 5 adults in the United States have obesity, and in a forecast by J.P. Morgan, the total number of GLP-1 users in the U.S. has the potential to be 30 million by 2030, about 9% of the overall population. On top of that, NBJ recently reported from a survey in October 2024 that 46% of GLP-1 agonist users take supplements daily. How can supplement manufacturers serve this evolving market?

As with most medications, GLP-1 agonists have their side effects. A unique consequence of using these drugs is people eating less due to its ability to suppress appetite. This can cause a change in diet, potentially leading to GLP-1 users not receiving enough essential nutrients via food consumption. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues have also been documented as side effects, which can also affect digestion and nutrient absorption. With more and more people taking GLP-1 agonists, these adverse reactions are presenting supplement manufacturers with a special opportunity to serve a burgeoning market. These consumers are looking for personalized nutritional solutions, and products such as encapsulated supplements are great candidates to meet this growing market potential.

What are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?

Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is a hormone produced by the small intestine. GLP-1 encourages the pancreas to create insulin, blocks glucagon secretion and glucose production, slows digestion, and affects parts of the brain that are involved in hunger and fullness.

Mostly delivered via subcutaneous injection shot, GLP-1 agonist medications mimic this hormone’s role in the body. The medication produces an agonist (a chemical) that acts as GLP-1 by binding itself to the appropriate cell receptors. The satiety effects from the GLP-1 agonist can result in an increase in insulin production along with a decrease in food consumption, appetite, and hunger, which often leads to losing weight.

A variety of natural supplements (including capsules, tablets, and gel capsules) scattered and in a bowl with two leaves.

What are Some Vitamins and Minerals GLP-1 Agonist Users Might Need?

With GLP-1 agonists causing appetite loss, there is a risk for nutrient deficiencies. Here are some common vitamins and minerals GLP-1 agonist users might need to supplement their diets:

Iron: Found in foods such as red meat and spinach, iron is an important mineral that supports energy levels and overall health. Iron ingredients like ferrous fumarate can be a vital part of a supplement for GLP-1 agonist users.
Vitamin B12 and Folate: Reduced consumption of animal products can result in essential B-vitamin deficits. Including vitamin B12 or folate in a supplement can help make sure that GLP-1 agonist users’ energy production and red blood cell creation is up to par.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Dairy foods have an important effect on bone health. For those who aren’t consuming dairy as much due to GLP-1 agonists, calcium citrate and vitamin D can be supplemented in a solid dose form to address any deficiencies of these key nutrients.
Magnesium: Foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens can be a major source of magnesium, and a diet lacking in them can cause this important nutrient’s levels to drop. Supplementing with ingredients like magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate can support muscle and nerve health.
Antioxidants: With their changed diets, GLP-1 agonist users may not consume enough fruits and vegetables for nutritional benefits. A supplement that incorporates antioxidants like ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) or resveratrol can help fill this gap in nutrition.

Are Capsules the Best Supplement Format for GLP-1 Agonist Users?

Empty capsules have long stood the test of time as being a reliable, versatile, and practical dosage option for supplement manufacturers, and when it comes to supporting GLP-1 agonist users, it’s no different. When manufacturing supplements for these consumers, capsules can offer distinct advantages such as:

Suitable for Sensitive Stomachs: Many have reported nausea or digestive issues as a GLP-1 agonist side effect. Encapsulated supplements could possibly deter stomach irritation because they tend to dissolve faster and release the ingredients gradually throughout the digestive system. This is in contrast to tablets, which often contain binders or fillers, that can take longer to break down.
Ease and Flexibility in Personalized Formulations: With empty capsules, manufacturers can achieve precise blending of active ingredients personalized for GLP-1 agonist users’ needs, like iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, without any additives that tablets might require.
Neutral Taste and Convenience: Some ingredients may taste unpleasant, which makes them difficult to consume. When these ingredients are encapsulated, there is no need for sweeteners or any other additives to help make the ingredients more palatable in a single, convenient dose.
Controlled Dosage: Consumers get a pre-measured, consistent dose with capsules. This ensures the correct amount of ingredients, so that the product is effective and will work as intended.
Longer Shelf Life and Stability: Environmental factors such as air, moisture, and light can negatively affect sensitive ingredients. Capsules act as a natural barrier for these ingredients, which can mean a longer shelf life and guaranteed potency.
Efficient in Manufacturing: Capsules can accommodate a variety of formulation types. Powders, liquids, or beadlets can be encapsulated; this flexibility can allow manufacturers to work with a combination of active ingredients that can be catered to GLP-1 agonist users’ unique needs, giving capsules an edge over tablets.

Filled supplement capsules coming out of a bottle surrounded by strawberries, mint leaves, sesame seeds, and walnuts.

Tips for Manufacturers Targeting GLP-1 Agonist Users with Encapsulated Supplements

With the rise of GLP-1 agonist usage, there is high potential for supplement manufacturers to create products that specifically meet this growing consumer group’s needs. Here are some strategies manufacturers can employ to successfully target GLP-1 agonist users with nutritional supplements:

Focus on Personalized Supplements

By 2030, the personalized nutrition and supplements market size in the United States is forecasted to be USD 12.92 billion, with a CAGR of 16.28% (from 2024 to 2030). Manufacturers can tailor formulations to supplement common deficiencies that GLP-1 agonist users may experience due to their altered diet. Empty capsules are optimal for customizable doses or combining ingredients to meet these specific needs of these consumers.

Leverage the Appetite Suppression with GLP-1 Agonists

Capsules can deliver several nutrients in a small package. This is a great opportunity to address vitamin deficiencies. With the variety of capsule sizes, capsules can hold multiple nutritional ingredients, helping to minimize the amount of supplements needed to be manufactured or consumed.

Position Products as Solutions to Deficiencies/Side Effects

Market your products as specific solutions to some common GLP-1 agonist users’ pain points such as:

Reduced caloric intake due to a reduced appetite.
Decreased consumption of nutrient-rich foods.
Other unique health needs that come from using GLP-1 agonists, like digestive sensitivity and nausea.

A close up of a person's hand holding a filled capsule supplement against a blurry home setting background.

Market your product as a solution to a specific pain point, such as providing convenience in an encapsulated form, targeting nutrient support, or being gentle to digest. By focusing on their individual needs, this rising consumer group can give you their trust and position your brand as a valuable resource for successful nutritional supplementation.

The increased popularity of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, has given supplement manufacturers a chance at growth by meeting the changing needs of this expanding consumer group. By addressing the specific pain points these consumers have, like decreased appetite resulting in nutrient deficits or gastrointestinal side effects, you can present your product as the nutritional solution for those who take GLP-1 agonist medications. Along with empty capsules’ adaptability and ease of use, manufacturers can leverage this growing market by providing them a customized and effective supplement.

At Vivion, we’re staying on top of GLP-1 agonist users’ particular nutritional supplement needs. With our broad portfolio of ingredients and empty capsules, we are committed to helping manufacturers create targeted solid dose solutions. Whether you’re looking for wholesale ingredients like iron, magnesium, or antioxidants, or bulk empty capsules, Vivion is your single source for both. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create effective, innovative products so you can gain a competitive edge in this rising market.