Supplementation after Bariatric Surgery What Will I Need? by Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN, CDE; and Pamela Davis, RN, BSN, CBN, MBA
One of the most important commitments you can make to yourself when you undergo bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment to taking recommended vitamin and mineral supplements. Unfortunately, you will be unable to rely on meeting your nutritional needs through diet alone once you have surgery regardless of which procedure you choose.
Quality of Supplements Ingredients in dietary supplements come from all over the world; many from China, India, and third-world countries where controls on processing may be inferior to those in the U.S. or Europe. Manufacturers may choose from a variety of sources, forms and grades of nutrients. Accepted standards for most nutrients follow the guidelines set out by the Unites States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF) and exist for more than 2,000 ingredients. If distributors choose to specify that they are using certified ingredients, these designators may appear on labels or may be omitted due to space limitations. If information is not supplied on the label, it becomes the responsibility of the consumer to obtain it.
Form and Delivery Method The form and delivery method of these nutrients also make a difference in bioavailability and even toxicity levels. Without education on which form of vitamin or mineral you need, there can be vital differences in their functions; niacin, vitamin E, calcium, iron, selenium, and thiamine are just a few examples that can be found in a multivitamin that may not exist in the preferred form. Therefore, reading the daily value cannot be taken at face value as you may not absorb close to what the label claims you receive from the product. Regardless of the delivery method – chewable tablets, liquids, hard-coated tablets, or gelatin capsules- the quality of nutrients and other ingredients are significant.
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Hard-coated tablets pose the greatest challenge to bariatric surgery patients
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Chewable products that are broken apart by chewing and liquids can also be
as they typically break apart with stomach acid and churning. Some capsules are acceptable as they break apart with moisture and heat. ideal choices if the ingredients are appropriate and they are not sweetened with excessive amounts of sugar.
If the calorie and sugar content is not listed, the consumer must decipher the ingredients list or inquire about the contents from the manufacturer, especially if they have any allergies. Thus, choosing a reputable manufacturer that you trust is an important decision after any bariatric surgery, and there are numerous bariatric supplement companies in the industry. Not only should you ensure their vitamins and