GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have helped a lot of people reach a healthier weight, and for some, that's part of preparing for pregnancy. But eating less can quietly leave gaps in the nutrients your body, and a future pregnancy, will lean on.

Here are which nutrients may run low on a GLP-1, why Folate and its active form, Methylfolate, deserve special attention before conception, and practical ways to fill the gaps. As always, your prescriber is the right person to guide any medication decisions.

These medications work largely by curbing appetite, which is exactly why nutrition can slip. A couple of things are worth understanding.

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition identified several nutrients that may be at risk when food intake decreases substantially during GLP-1 treatment. These include Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B12, and C. Some people may already have low nutrient intake before starting treatment, and eating less can make it harder to meet their daily requirements.

Iron deserves particular attention if you have periods, since lighter eating can mean fewer Iron-rich foods. Getting enough Folate is especially important before pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in early fetal development.

Importantly, the evidence does not establish that GLP-1 medications directly deplete these nutrients. The main concern is that reduced food intake and gastrointestinal side effects may increase the risk of nutritional inadequacy.

A healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help assess your diet and determine whether any blood tests or additional supplementation are needed to fill nutrient gaps.

Of all the nutrients in this conversation, Folate (Vitamin B9) earns a special mention when pregnancy is the goal. Here's why.

Folate supports the earliest development of a baby's neural tube, which forms in the first few weeks, often before you know you're pregnant. That's why the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and major health bodies recommend getting enough folate before conception. Folic Acid, the form in most supplements and fortified foods, has decades of research behind it for reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is the active form your body uses directly, which may play a role if you carry an MTHFR gene variant that makes converting Folic Acid less efficient. You’ll find both Folic Acid and Methylated Folate in your Bird&Be prenatal, so you’re getting the doctor-recommended dose and covering your bases no matter your gene status.

Because neural tube development occurs so early, starting a prenatal ahead of conception (doctors recommend at least 3 months before) is a step you can take while preparing for pregnancy.

Preparing for pregnancy while taking a GLP-1 medication means paying attention to both your nutrition and the timing of your treatment.

A few practical steps can help.

• Review your nutritional needs. Ask your healthcare provider whether testing for Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12, or Vitamin D is appropriate, particularly if your food intake has dropped significantly.

• Start a complete prenatal before conception. Ideally about 3 months before trying, so nutrient stores have time to build. The Complete Prenatal Pack covers Folate in both forms, Iron, and 300 mg of DHA, while the Female Fertility Power Prenatal Pack adds egg-supporting antioxidants for this stage.

• Prioritize protein and nutrient-dense foods. When your appetite is smaller, focus on foods that provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Getting enough protein paired with resistance exercise can also help preserve muscle during weight loss. Plan when to stop your GLP-1 medication. These medications are not recommended during pregnancy and should be discontinued before trying to conceive. Semaglutide should be stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy, while recommendations for tirzepatide vary. Your prescriber can help you plan the transition and maintain your metabolic health.

If your partner is also on a GLP-1, maintaining adequate nutrition is important for them too. The Male Fertility Power Pack covers Folate and antioxidants on that side. Couples often start together with the Egg + Sperm Support Bundle. 

GLP-1 medications can be a real tool on the way to a healthier weight, and with a little planning, the nutrition side doesn't have to be a casualty. The main themes: eating less can decrease intake of certain nutrients. Folate deserves extra attention, and a prenatal can help reduce deficiencies.

Lean on nutrient-dense food, and give your body a runway before you start trying. If you'd like help choosing a prenatal for this stage, our quiz can point you to a fit.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.