A Randomized Trial of a Novel Chewable Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and can lead to significant morbidity, but little research on the efficacy of vitamin supplementation regimens exists. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of an investigational versus a standard multivitamin regimen in patients undergoing RYGB.

Fifty-six patients, aged 18 to 65, were randomized to an investigational versus a standard multivitamin. Plasma levels of vitamins A, B-12, D, E-α, E-β/γ, thiamine, folate, iron, iron-binding capacity, iron saturation, prealbumin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Proteins induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA), beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, and mixed tocopherols were measured at 3 months postoperatively. Primary outcomes were differences in plasma levels at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were palatability, ease of use, and adherence.

Twenty-one patients were randomized to the standard regimen and 26 to the investigational multivitamin. Nine were lost to follow-up. At 3 months, plasma levels of PTH were lower (p = 0.042), and levels of vitamin D (p = 0.033), thiamine (p = 0.009), and beta-carotene (p = 0.033) were higher in the investigational multivitamin arm compared to those in the standard regimen arm. Patients receiving the investigational multivitamin reported higher taste satisfaction than those receiving the standard regimen (p = 0.035).

The investigational multivitamin appears to be more effective than a standard multivitamin in maintaining therapeutic levels of clinically relevant vitamins and minerals, and was more palatable. Additional studies should be conducted to confirm these findings and refine the optimal dosing regimen.

www.clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT01475617.