Weight-loss drugs could trigger scurvy and pellagra, researchers warn
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could trigger severe vitamin deficiencies that cause scurvy and pellagra.
Weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could cause severe vitamin deficiencies that lead to scurvy and pellagra, warns University of Newcastle professor Clare Collins. People taking these drugs eat about 50 percent less than normal, putting them at high risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Collins found that gut side effects from the drug overlap with signs of low nutrients. Doctors could miss malnutrition and blame the drug itself.
A new three-month study is seeking participants. It will test whether diet counselling and nutrition sessions prevent these deficiencies.
Only two of 41 published trials of the drugs recorded what people actually eat.
- about 50 percent less than normal
- Appetite reduction
- three months
- Study duration
- 2 out of 41 published trials
- Trials recording diet
- University of Newcastle
- Institution
Why it mattersUsers could stop taking the drug due to undiagnosed malnutrition. They lose health benefits or develop preventable diseases if nutrient support isn't part of their treatment plan.
