Recommended nutritional supplements for bariatric surgery patients

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Bariatric surgery is a common treatment for obesity.
• Nutritional deficiencies are a significant concern post-surgery.
• Different surgical procedures carry varying risks of nutrient malabsorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review essential nutritional supplements post-bariatric surgery.
• To provide a practical guide for healthcare providers.
• To highlight common nutrient deficiencies and their management.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed (1988-2008) using "nutritional deficiency after bariatric surgery".
• Inclusion of English-language studies on adult humans.
• Prioritization of data from clinical series and guidelines, supplemented by case reports.

Main Results:

• Nutritional deficiencies vary by bariatric surgery type; malabsorptive procedures pose higher risks.
• Common deficiencies include vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, thiamine, folic acid, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
• Hypovitaminosis A can lead to rare ocular complications.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare professionals outside specialized centers need awareness of post-bariatric surgery supplement requirements.
• Primary care teams and pharmacists often manage these patients.
• Adherence to supplementation is critical for preventing deficiencies.