According to the Centers For Disease Control, more than one-third of adults in the U.S. are reportedly obese (approximately 36.5% of adults). It’s not surprising then that the number of people undergoing bariatric surgeries is also on the rise. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery noted that approximately 196,000 patients underwent bariatric surgery in 2015, a significant increase from the 158,000 reported in 2011.
What Is The Bariatric Procedure?
Bariatric surgical procedures help people to lose weight by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Although these surgeries can be very helpful, they also create special post-surgery dietary needs, including the need for patients to take vitamins to avoid vitamin or nutrient deficiencies.
Even without surgery, it’s hard to eat enough fruits and vegetables to meet daily nutrient requirements. Studies show that most people don’t eat enough. This is why post-bariatric surgery, it’s even more important to seek out a good multivitamin and vitamin routine to ensure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Furthermore, water-soluble vitamins, such as the B-Complex, do not get stored in the body. So, Vitamin B needs to be addressed on a daily basis.
At the request of the Bariatric community, Tespo created a special formula using the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery guidelines. The Tespo Bariatric formula addresses the specific nutrient needs of the Bariatric community offering increased Vitamin B12, iron, Folic Acid and D3, among other vitamins and minerals. Here’s why these vitamins and minerals are important for everyone, including Bariatric patients:
Essential Vitamins For Bariatric Patients
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A’s main role is enhancing vision. It aids in the development and growth of the cornea and other membranes of the eye. It works to keep the retina healthy and aids in producing proteins which absorb light in the retina. Beyond the eyes it is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it fends off free radicals to support immunity, bone growth, and the production of new cells.
CALCIUM
Calcium is a mineral that is critical to the building and maintenance of healthy bones. The majority of the calcium in our body is in our bones and teeth, but it also helps blood clot and nerves function. Taking calcium is key to preventing bone loss or brittleness, which studies have shown to develop in patients post-bariatric surgery as a result of calcium deficiencies. But be sure to take calcium with Vitamin D3, which helps the body absorb calcium.
VITAMIN D3
The sunshine Vitamin’s myriad talents include boosting moods, supporting heart health, blood sugar levels, healthy aging and strengthening bones. For the latter, it plays a key role in helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D also supports the immune system by helping to fight off free radicals.
Vitamin D3 has been shown to help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Both of these ailments contribute to cardiovascular disease. A correlation bas been drawn between Vitamin D deficiency and heart disease. In one study, Vitamin D was shown to increase levels of cytokine, which functions as an anti-inflammatory compound. Inflammation has been linked to heart failure.
FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B9)
Vitamin B9 plays a key role in healthy pregnancies. It promotes both a healthy reproductive system while being a key player in the development of embryos. Folic Acid supports the development of a healthy central nervous system in embryos and continues after birth to support nervous system function. It plays a role in repairing DNA damaged by toxins, and aids in the production of blood cells.
VITAMIN B12
This powerful B vitamin plays an important role in the myelination of nerves (which insulates and protects nerves). This is key for proper nerve function and development. B12 helps to keep blood cells healthy while aiding in the prevention of certain types of anemia. It also influences the health and production of sperm and DNA. Vitamin B12 is the exception to water soluble vitamins as it can be stored in your liver. Yet, the body is still not able to produce it on its own.
BIOTIN (Vitamin B7)
A water-soluble nutrient that is part of the vitamin B complex, biotin supports healthy nerves, the digestive tract and metabolism. Also known as Vitamin B7, biotin aids with the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, it acts as a coenzyme to metabolize fatty acids, amino acids and glucose, which our body uses for energy. As a cofactor to enzymes, it also plays a role in gene expression. In addition, it promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.
IRON
Iron helps your body make healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A common side effect of bariatric surgery is low iron or iron deficiency anemia. It is even more common after gastric bypass because the surgery causes food digestion to bypass the duodenum, the primary area where iron is absorbed. Iron supplementation can help ensure that iron levels are adequately maintained to avoid iron deficiency.
ZINC
Minerals such as magnesium, zinc, chromium, and potassium are essential to healthy nerve, muscle, and enzyme function. In particular, Zinc helps to keep a healthy happy brain by aiding the metabolism of fatty acids in the brain. It is essential to healthy cell division. It contributes to the health and growth of hair, skin, and nail cells.
SELENIUM
This trace mineral functions as an antioxidant and may help protect against oxidative damage and premature aging. It helps to preserve elastin, a protein used to keep skin taught and smooth. It utilizes proteins to boost hair growth. Studies have shown an inverse relationship between adequate selenium intake and heart disease. This is thought to be because of its antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent platelets from aggregating. Studies also have shown that supplementation with a combination of selenium and Co-Q10 can reduce the chance of cardiovascular death.
Shop our bariatric 2-pod vitamins, made for both men and women.