A study conducted by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has identified a potential connection between GLP-1 medications, used for weight loss and diabetes treatment, and nutritional deficiencies in children. The research revealed that one in six children taking these drugs developed a nutritional deficiency within a year of starting treatment. Among these deficiencies, vitamin D was the most prevalent, affecting 12.4% of the pediatric subjects.
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Senior author Justin Ryder, PhD, who is the Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Surgery at the hospital and an Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and calcium during adolescence. Deficiencies in these nutrients could lead to lasting consequences for skeletal health and overall development.
The study analyzed over 2,000 GLP-1 users aged 10 to 17 years who had no prior nutritional deficiency diagnoses. The medication most commonly prescribed was liraglutide, known by the brand names Victoza and Saxenda, which comprised nearly 80% of the participants.
Researchers expressed concern that such medications, which can influence appetite and food intake, may hinder adolescents from receiving adequate nutrition during this crucial development stage. The findings indicate that implementing nutritional monitoring and support could be vital aspects of GLP-1 treatment for children and teenagers.
Dr. Ryder stated that the study underscores the need for proactive nutritional management when GLP-1s are prescribed to this age group, advocating for preventative measures before any deficiencies are diagnosed.