Prevalence of electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies in Chinese bariatric surgery candidates

Electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies have been reported in Western populations seeking bariatric surgery. However, data are scarce for Chinese patients.

To investigate the prevalence of electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies in Chinese bariatric surgery candidates and to explore their associations with patients' demographic data.

University hospital, China.

Demographical data of 211 patients presenting for bariatric surgery were collected on gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Blood biochemical data were collected on some nutrients (hemoglobin, albumin, globulin, folate, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, iron, ferritin, magnesium, parathyroid hormone [PTH], and vitamin D) and some electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and chloride).

Deficiencies were found for hemoglobin (2.8%), albumin (11.8%), globulin (1.4%), folate (32.2%), vitamin B12 (4.7%), corrected calcium (13.7%), phosphorus (10.4%), iron (9.0%), ferritin (1.9%), vitamin D (80.0%), potassium (5.7%), sodium (7.6%), and chloride (15.6%). Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 17.3%; no hypomagnesemia was encountered. A significant correlation was observed between age and folate, corrected calcium and PTH levels (r = .257, -.206, and .273, respectively; P<.05). Greater BMI was associated with lower albumin and folate (r = -.338 and -.370, respectively) and with higher globulin and phosphorus levels (r = .267 and .138, respectively). Folate deficiency was more common in the 18- to 30-year-old age group (P = .042) and the patients with BMI>45 kg/m(2) (P = .001). WC had an association with rates of albumin, folate, and corrected calcium deficiencies, as well as hemoglobin, albumin, and globulin, folate, phosphorus, and ferritin levels.

Electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies are common in Chinese bariatric surgery candidates. Routine evaluation of electrolyte and nutritional levels should be carried out in this population.