Importance of Vitamin & Mineral Supplementation After Bariatric Surgery

July’s MUSC Bariatric Surgery Support Group featured a discussion from the program’s dietitians on the importance of vitamins and minerals after bariatric surgery. Amanda, Haley B. and Haley E. outlined the important roles micronutrients play in the body, dietary sources of difference nutrients and signs/symptoms of deficiencies. Below is a recap of this discussion.

What are vitamins?

• Essential nutrients for normal growth/health
• Needed in small quantities
• MUST be obtained from diet
  
  • Cannot be synthesized by the body
• Lack of certain vitamins/minerals is known as a deficiency
  
  • Can lead to serious health problems

Why are bariatric surgery patients at risk for deficiency?

• Decreased food intake
• Decreased absorption of vitamins due to intestinal changes

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin A – supports vision and lowers risk of some cancers
  
  • Sources: dairy products, leafy greens, orange/yellow fruits and vegetables
  • Signs of deficiency: night blindness, patches of white on the eyes, dry skin or hair
• Vitamin D – promotes strong teeth and bones, supports immune health and mood regulation
  
  • Sources: fortified foods (dairy, juice and cereals), fish (salmon, sardines, tuna), egg yolk
  • Signs of deficiency: fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, soft bones
• Vitamin E – protects tissues from damage, balances cholesterol and promotes healthy skin
  
  • Sources: nuts and seeds, oils, kiwi, mango, spinach, broccoli, tomato
  • Signs of deficiency: anemia, muscle weakness, trouble balancing, vision problems
• Vitamin K – promotes blood clotting and is needed to build bones
  
  • Sources: leafy greens, broccoli, eggs
  • Signs of deficiency: excessive bleeding or bruising, weak bones

Water Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – supports brain and nerve function as well as skin and hair health
  
  • Sources: fortified grains, brown rice, watermelon, soy products (tofu, soy milk)
  • Signs of deficiency: weight loss, confusion, memory loss, muscle weakness, neuropathy
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – strengthens hair and nails, aids in health of blood cells
  
  • Sources: leafy greens, grains, dairy products
  • Signs of deficiency: cracked lips, sore throat, swelling of tongue, hair loss, skin rash
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – helps convert nutrients into energy, strengthens hair and nails
  
  • Sources: potatoes, mushrooms, meat, poultry, peanut butter
  • Signs of deficiency: depression, fatigue, memory loss, hallucinations
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – helps build and break down fats
  
  • Sources: whole grains, beef, chicken, broccoli, tomatoes, avocado
  • Signs of deficiency: irritability, restlessness, disturbed sleep, numbness in hands or feet, muscle cramps
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – affects mental health and decision making, helps break down macronutrients
  
  • Sources: poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes
  • Signs of deficiency: anemia, skin conditions, depression, confusion, decreased immunity
• Vitamin B9 (Folate) – promotes cell growth and division (vital during pregnancy)
  
  • Sources: dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, fortified grains and cereals
  • Signs of deficiency: anemia, mouth sores, memory loss, confusion, diarrhea
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – protects nervous system, DNA and blood cells
  
  • Sources: poultry, meat, dairy products
  • Signs of deficiency: numbness or tingling in extremities, difficulty walking or balancing, anemia, swollen tongue, memory loss
• Vitamin C – boosts immune system and helps maintain blood pressure and heart health
  
  • Sources: citrus fruit, tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, broccoli, potatoes, spinach
  • Signs of deficiency: fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, bleeding gums, bruising

Minerals

• Calcium – supports bone structure, muscle function and nerve transmission
  
  • Sources: dairy products, broccoli, kale
  • Signs of deficiency: few clinical sings
• Iron – supports production of red blood cells
  
  • Sources: lean meat and seafood, nuts, beans, fortified grains
  • Signs of deficiency: anemia, extreme fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet
• Zinc – supports growth of cells, heals damaged tissue and supports a healthy immune system
  
  • Sources: shellfish, beef, poultry, pork, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fortified cereals
  • Signs of deficiency: loss of taste or smell, poor appetite, hair loss, delayed wound healing

Recommendations

• Before surgery
  
  • Take a daily multivitamin
  • Other vitamins as recommended by your care team
• After surgery
  
  • Vitamin supplementation For Life
  • Get nutrition labs checked yearly

Supplements do not replace a healthy diet!