Vitamins and minerals (also known as micronutrients) play a vital role in the regulation of appetite, fat storage and metabolic rate. Hence adequate vitamin and mineral intake is not only important for good health, but also for maximum weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. On the other hand, inadequate micronutrient levels / vitamin deficiency can lead to adverse and potentially serious health consequences, including:
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Various forms of anaemia due to iron, B12 and folate deficiency
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Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) and bone fracture
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Fatigue, insomnia and depression
- Swelling of the lower legs
- Pins and needles in the hands and feet
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Problems with eyesight and even blindness
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Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
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Brittle nails and skin rashes
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Disturbances in heart rhythm and breathlessness
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Hair loss
What Causes Micronutrient Deficiency?
After weight loss surgery, portion sizes tend to be much smaller, certain food groups may not be tolerated as well as before and there may also be reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals. The type and frequency of nutritional deficiency depends upon the specific surgery performed. Restrictive procedures, such as the adjustable gastric band, have the least risk of deficiency whereas the gastric bypass and BPD/DS procedures carry a much higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency.
The vitamins and minerals most at risk of deficiency by procedure, are shown below. Please note: for items listed in italics there is preliminary evidence of deficiency, whereas for those in ordinary typeface there is good evidence.
| Gastric Band | Sleeve Gastrectomy | Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass | BPD / Duodenal Switch |
-
Calcium -
Folate -
Thiamin -
Vitamin E | -
Calcium -
Vitamin B12 -
Folate -
Thiamin -
Vitamin E -
Iron | -
Vitamin A -
Vitamin D -
Vitamin E -
Vitamin K -
Calcium -
Vitamin B12 -
Iron -
Zinc -
Thiamin -
Vitamin B6 -
Folate | -
Vitamin A -
Vitamin D -
Vitamin K -
Calcium -
Zinc -
Thiamin -
Vitamin E -
Iron -
Vitamin B12 -
Selenium
|
What are Current Expert Recommendations?
Guidelines on vitamin and mineral supplementation following weight loss surgery have been published by the prestigious American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) - read the full guidance here.
VitaWeight™ micronutrients have been precisely formulated to comply with the ASMBS recommendations. Our supplements are manufactured in Switzerland and rigorously tested for purity and stability.
Note that standard brands of vitamins, available from high-street pharmacies, are simply not adequate for the needs of post-surgery patients.
