Gastric bypass: beware of vitamin deficiencies!
Bariatric surgery, and the gastric bypass in particular, is well-known as a long-term approach to obesity. However, nutritional deficiencies are common after this procedure. It is therefore essential to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Malnutrition is defined as a deficit, excess, or imbalance in a person's energy and/or nutrient intake. Undernutrition and obesity are the most extreme cases of this.1 Bariatric surgery is increasingly being used to treat obesity. However, the procedure itself is often associated with a state of malnutrition. The gastric bypass, in particular, is a so-called 'malabsorptive' procedure, which means that the body does not always absorb everything you eat (including vitamins and minerals).1
Risk of nutritional deficiencies before bariatric surgery
The risk of nutritional deficiencies actually increases even before the procedure. Besides the fact that obesity itself can lead to a deficiency in various vitamins and minerals, you can also develop deficiencies in preparation for the procedure. This is because you have to lose a lot of weight during that time. After the operation, nutritional deficiencies can occur due to eating too little, poorer digestion and absorption of nutrients, not taking the recommended vitamins and minerals, and unhealthy eating.1
About 40% of patients who have undergone a bypass suffer from a vitamin deficiency after the procedure2
The most common vitamin deficiencies after a bypass
After a bypass, these are the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies with the most detrimental impact:1,2
- Vitamin B₁₂
- Folic acid
- Thiamine
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Calcium
Symptoms and consequences of vitamin deficiencies2
Symptoms vary from person to person, but you should be alert to signs such as dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, weakness, canker sores, hair loss…
After the procedure, food alone is no longer sufficient and the patient must take targeted supplements for the rest of their life. It is important to follow the doctor's advice, as the potential consequences of these nutritional deficiencies can be serious: neurological complications, bone disorders, anemia, muscle problems…
What is the solution after a bypass?
Immediately after the procedure, the patient is prescribed supplements, and it is important to follow this medical advice. However, the body absorbs certain nutrients, such as iron or vitamin D, less effectively than others—and not just after bariatric surgery. The reason for this is low bioavailability, where only a very small fraction of the active substance reaches the bloodstream.1-3
Liposomal nutritional supplements, a new 'technology' in the field of nutritional supplements, are better absorbed by the body because they increase the bioavailability of the active substances. This is because they prevent premature breakdown by stomach acid and ensure better absorption, which is particularly important after obesity surgery. Discover all the health benefits of liposomal nutritional supplements on our blog.3
Scientific references
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