Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Bariatric surgery (RYGB, BPD-DS, LSG) causes significant macro- and micronutrient deficiencies (protein, vitamins B1/B12/D, iron, zinc) due to altered anatomy, malabsorption, and bacterial overgrowth, necessitating lifelong monitoring and high-dose supplementation.
If you have had bariatric surgery, you must take specific, high-dose supplements for life. Standard multivitamins are not enough. You need regular blood tests to monitor levels of protein, B1, B12, D, iron, and zinc. Failure to do so can lead to severe, irreversible health issues.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies are common after obesity surgery. The most critical, depending on surgical technique, are hypoalbuminemia (3–18%) and deficiencies of vitamins B1 (≤49%), B12 (19–35%) and D (25–73%), iron (17–45%) and zinc (12–91%).
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review of multiple studies (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE) with specific prevalence data for various nutrients.
Source
Review article: the nutritional and pharmacological consequences of obesity surgery
Jürgen M. Stein et al. · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · 2014
narrative_reviewCited 253×
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