People with obesity are at risk of nutritional deficiencies more frequently
It should be considered in the pre-surgical evaluation.
All patients must undergo an appropriate clinical-nutritional evaluation that includes micronutrient measurement before the bariatric procedure.
VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN)
Its absorption takes place mainly in the small intestine.
Its reserve is approximately 30 MG and its half-life is 9 to 18 days; therefore if the consumption is not regular and sufficient, the deficiency occurs in a short time.
THIAMINE deficiency can affect various systems. Mainly the nervous system and some organs like the heart.
FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B9)
Folic acid absorption occurs mainly in the jejunum but is active throughout the small intestine.
Reserves may decrease in a few months during the postoperative journey.
Patients with folic acid deficiency may present with anemia, memory loss, hostility, and behavioral changes.
The deficiency could be associated with medications such as anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, also malabsorption and inadequate diet.
VITAMIN B12 (COBALAMIN)
Some medications can affect the stores and absorption of vitamin B12, such as:
Metformin
deficient diets
Gastritis
Its deficiency can lead to anemia, neurological damage, reaching dementia in extreme cases.
VITAMIN A
It is essential for the normal functioning of the immune system, gene expression and cell differentiation.
The deficiency manifests itself at the ocular level.
decreased vision
Night blindness
Pruritus
and dry eye
VITAMIN D
Several studies have identified that obese patients are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency prior to bariatric surgery.There is a negative correlation between the level of BMI (body mass index) and the value of vitamin D. The long-term consequences of low levels are osteoporosis and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), its deficit is correlated with other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, cancer.
IRON
Obesity interferes with the availability of iron.Women of childbearing age with heavy menstrual cycles are at risk of anemia.Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in most patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
CALCIUM
An inadequate intake of calcium in the diet as well as alterations in its absorption can give high levels of calcium in the serum but not in the bone.
ZINC
Because zinc, copper, and iron are transported by the same membrane, there may be an imbalance of these minerals.If there is no good absorption of zinc, do not open it for copper either. Deficiency symptoms can be significant, such as hair loss.
COPPER
There may be anemia relationship if there is copper deficiency. Its monitoring is recommended after the bariatric operation.
Other vitamins to consider are:
Rivoflavin (Vit B2)
Pantothenic acid ( B3 )
Biotin (Vit B7)
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Vitamin E and K
Minerals and Electrolytes
Selenium, chromium, manganese, sulfur, boron, iodine, fluoride, deficiency can develop in postoperative situations
It is important to let yourself be guided by our multidisciplinary team for a correct nutritional assessment. Taking care of these, among other aspects, a better result is guaranteed in your lifestyle change, which is what we mainly seek with these procedures.
