Bariatric surgery has proven to be a transformative option for many individuals however post-surgery, it is important to maintain nutritional needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Having to navigate the multiple options of bariatric multivitamins available on the market can be overwhelming. In this blog, we help break down the significance of bariatric multivitamins, provide insights into choosing the right supplements for your needs and answer some common questions.
What are Bariatric Vitamins?
Bariatric vitamins are specially crafted supplements tailored to fulfil the nutritional requirements of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. Multivitamins are a great way to get all the essential nutrients you may need after weight loss without having the cost and micromanagement of having to take multiple different supplements & vitamins.
Why are Bariatric Vitamins Important & Different?
Bariatric surgery reduces the amount of food and nutrients your body absorbs and standard multivitamins are unable provide the higher doses required post-surgery. Without taking these important vitamins patients may face a range of health complications including malabsorption, anaemia & osteoporosis and more. Bariatric formulas differ from standard multivitamins as they have increased vitamins, minerals and forms to prevent deficiencies.
What are the most Important Vitamins after Bariatric Surgery?
No single vitamin holds the title of being the “most important” after weight loss surgery, as each vitamin plays a crucial role in addressing your body’s altered nutritional requirements. During the initial post-surgery year, regular vitamin level tests tend to be conducted every 3 to 6 months, are imperative to guarantee appropriate supplementation. Subsequently, these tests may transition to an annual schedule after the first year.
NHS Vitamin Recommendations for Bariatric Patients
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin & Methylcobalamin)
Recommended Dosage 500 mg Daily or by Injection every 3 months.
Vitamin B12 is a common vitamin deficiency after bariatric surgery and is an essential vitamin for helping the body make red blood cells, nervous system health and breakdown fatty and amino acids to provide you with energy and strengthen your immune system.
B12 Deficiency may result in fatigue, weakness, a sore, red tongue or mouth ulcers.
A complete A-Z multivitamin & mineral formula
Recommended to be taken Daily.
Multivitamin and mineral is recommended to be taken as soon as possible after surgery. These vitamins need to be liquid for the first month after surgery. Take your supplement with or after food to reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea.
Without these it could result in Malnutrition which can be a serious complication of bariatric surgery.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Recommended Dosage 600 mcg Daily from supplements.
Biotin, a vital B-vitamin plays an essential role in promoting healthier hair, skin, and nails. Beyond its cosmetic benefits, biotin also supports crucial metabolic processes, making it particularly essential in the post-weight loss surgery phase.
Vitamin D
Recommended Dosage 75 mg, 3,000IU Daily from supplements.
Often referred to as the “sunshine nutrient,” vitamin D is indispensable for preventing bone deficiencies and various diseases. Following bariatric surgery, a higher dose of vitamin D is typically required to meet the body’s nutritional demands. It’s worth noting that vitamin D is optimally absorbed when taken in conjunction with calcium.
Calcium
Recommended Dosage 1,500 mg Daily from supplements.
Calcium is a vital mineral crucial for bone health, cell, and muscle function. Its advised to take with Vitamin D as absorption is optimized in the presence of vitamin D. However, it’s essential to note that taking calcium and iron concurrently may impede their absorption.
To ensure optimal effectiveness, it is recommended to schedule these supplements at different times throughout the day, maintaining a minimum 2-hour gap between intakes. This strategic separation ensures that your body can fully absorb and benefit from each supplement.
Iron supplement
Recommended Dosage Daily (vary among patients and doctor should be consulted)
Iron is a crucial nutrient often found lacking, but it’s super important. Why? Because it helps make red blood cells, the ones carrying oxygen throughout your body. After weight loss surgery, it becomes extra important to make sure you’re getting enough iron to keep your body healthy and oxygenated.
Conclusion
Picking the right bariatric vitamins is all about knowing what your body needs and choosing reliable products from well-known brands. Having a chat with your doctor or a bariatric nutrition specialist is crucial to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients. Look for vitamins made for people who’ve had bariatric surgery, ones that are easy for your body to absorb, low in sugar, and packed with the good stuff.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, goes hand in hand with the benefits of vitamin supplements. In the end, finding the perfect bariatric vitamin supplements is the key to keeping yourself healthy in the long run after surgery.
The information in this article is intended for general understanding and should not replace professional medical advice.
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