Nutritional deficiencies following bariatric surgery: what have we learned?

• Published in: Obesity surgery Vol. 15; no. 2; pp. 145 - 154
• Main Authors: Bloomberg, Richard D, Fleishman, Amy, Nalle, Jennifer E, Herron, Daniel M, Kini, Subhash
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 01-02-2005
• Subjects: Adult; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y - adverse effects; Biliopancreatic Diversion - adverse effects; Biliopancreatic Diversion - methods; Dietary Supplements; Energy Metabolism; Female; Gastric Bypass - adverse effects; Gastric Bypass - methods; Gastrointestinal surgery; Gastroplasty - adverse effects; Gastroplasty - methods; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition; Nutrition Disorders - etiology; Nutrition Disorders - therapy; Nutritional Requirements; Obesity, Morbid - surgery; Prognosis; Risk Assessment
• ISSN: 0960-8923; 1708-0428
• DOI: 10.1381/0960892053268264

Deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients are common following the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS), and may become clinically significant if not recognized and treated with supplementation. This paper presents a review of the current literature and evidence of the most commonly deficient vitamins and minerals following weight loss surgery, including protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and other micronutrients. The deficiencies appear to be more substantial following malabsorptive procedures such as BPD, but occur with restrictive procedures as well. The review suggests that further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the nutritional deficiencies, and to determine guidelines for supplementation.