Micronutrient and physiologic parameters before and 6 months after RYGB.

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Nutritional Science
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Bariatric surgery, specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is effective for weight loss but poses risks of nutritional complications.
• Evaluating nutritional status, food intake, and physiological parameters is crucial for post-RYGB patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess mineral and vitamin status, dietary intake, and physiological changes in obese patients before and 6 months after RYGB.
• To identify specific nutritional deficiencies and their prevalence following RYGB surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 36 obese patients before and 6 months after RYGB.
• Assessment of weight, BMI, ES Complex data, food consumption, and serum levels of proteins, vitamins (B12, folic acid), minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, CaI), and PTH.

Main Results:

• Significant weight loss (35.34%) and improvements in autonomic nervous system balance, stiffness index, and insulin resistance were observed.
• A high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was noted, with zinc deficiency affecting over 55% pre- and 61% post-surgery.
• Protein intake was below recommended levels for 88.88% of patients at 6 months post-RYGB, with decreased serum total protein and prealbumin.

Conclusions:

• RYGB surgery leads to significant improvements in metabolic health markers but is associated with a high prevalence of hypozincemia.
• Inadequate protein intake is common post-RYGB, highlighting the need for protein supplementation to ensure adequate nutrition up to 6 months after surgery.