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The same qualities that make gastric
bypass so successful-particularly the restrictive and absorption aspects of the
procedure-also make necessary special nutritional considerations. These ought
to be followed for life to successfully maintain the health benefits of
bariatric surgery. Otherwise, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can
occur.
Nutrient deficiencies
with gastric bypass can occur for several reasons.
1. The procedure reduces overall food
intake.
2. The small gastric pouch produces
negligible amounts of digestive enzymes and acid for complete digestion of
certain foods.
3. The small
gastric pouch produces only minimal
amounts of gastric acid and
intrinsic factor which are both
required for the proper absorption
of vitamin B-12.
4. The stomach bypasses a portion of
the gut that is necessary for the absorption of many vitamins and minerals.
Regular daily multivitamins or
children's chewable supplements, therefore, ARE NOT EFFECTIVE in meeting all of
the special vitamin and mineral needs of the gastric bypass patient.
Studies have shown that certain vitamin
and mineral deficiencies can occur following gastric bypass even when patients
are taking a daily multivitamin supplement.
Building Blocks Multiple
Building Blocks Multiple
vitamin, is formulated specifically
for gastric bypass patients and
comprised of key vitamin and mineral
supplements in levels that have been
reported to maintain proper health
following surgery. Some important
elements in the Building Blocks
Multiple include:
VITAMIN A
Vitamin A serves many purposes
in the body. It is essential for the
growth and repair of body tissue and
healthy skin. It protects the mucous
membranes of the mouth, nose, throat
and lungs. It also helps to maintain
strong bones and teeth and of
course, it is important for good
eyesight. Building Blocks vitamin A
is made up of a blend of both
pre-formed vitamin A and
beta-carotene. When selecting a
vitamin it is important to consider
not only the amount of vitamin A,
but also the form that it is in.
Taking too much pre-formed vitamin A
can lead to long term bone loss,
while taking too little or using
beta-carotene as your only source
can lead to deficiency. By using
this approach, Building Blocks
utilizes a safe, yet effective
approach to ensure that you maintain
adequate levels of this essential
vitamin.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is critical for the proper
absorption of Calcium. With vitamin
D deficiencies on the rise, Building
Blocks Multiple maintains the
highest levels of vitamin D
available in a bariatric
multivitamin. In addition to the
vitamin D that is found in our
multiple, additional vitamin D is
also part of our daily calcium.
THIAMIN
Sufficient thiamin intake is
most critical if frequent vomiting
occurs. Deficiencies may occur
following an episode of vomiting, if
meals are skipped, or if the
appropriate vitamins are not taken.
Deficiencies in thiamin can have
some very serious consequences,
including an inability to walk, a
loss of memory (sometimes
permanent), impaired learning, or
even coma or death. Speak to your
physician immediately if you are
unable to find a vitamin form that
you can tolerate.
VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies are
common with gastric bypass because the
small gastric pouch does not produce
enough stomach acid or intrinsic factor
necessary for proper vitamin B12
absorption. Studies have found that B-12
supplements containing 100 to 350 mcg
are effective in preventing deficits in
up to 95% of patients. Building Blocks
multiple contains a 250 mcg per daily
dosage. For some patients, additional
vitamin B-12 may be required in the form
of monthly shots or sublingually to
prevent deficiencies. Deficits in B12,
if left untreated, may cause a number of
serious health problems.
FOLATE
Without proper supplementation folate deficiencies
have been reported in nearly 40% of bariatric
patients. Folate deficits occur with
gastric bypass because the portion of
the gut responsible for much of the
absorption of this B-complex vitamin has
been bypassed by the procedure.
Folate deficiencies can increase the
risk of heart disease, cause anemia, and
interfere with the body's ability to
produce energy. Taking folate at an
amount 200% the RDI is effective in both
the treatment of folate deficiencies and
its prevention.
Building Blocks Calcium
Similar to iron, calcium deficiencies
occur with gastric bypass patients
because the procedure bypasses that
portion of the gut where iron is most
readily absorbed, and because the
stomach pouch produces little or no acid
necessary for optimal calcium
absorption. Calcium supplements are,
therefore, required of the gastric
bypass patient, and is most effective in
the form of CALCIUM CITRATE -not calcium
carbonate or phosphate or coral calcium.
For optimal absorption, the calcium
citrate must also contain vitamin D.
Vitamin C and magnesium are beneficial
but not required to be part of the
calcium supplement. Calcium
deficiencies cause bone loss,
irregularities in muscle, heart, or
nerve functions, defects in certain
hormones, and weight gain.
Building Blocks Iron
Iron deficiencies occur with gastric
bypass surgery because the surgical
procedure bypasses the portion of the
gut that absorbs iron.
Iron should be taken for life and in a
form that is readily absorbable. The
most absorbable forms of supplemental
iron are fumerate or iron chelate.
Long-term studies have found that the
risk for iron deficits following gastric
bypass surgery are NOT reduced over time
and may occur even with iron
supplementation.
Building Blocks
Anti-OX
Antioxidants are a key part of a
patient’s defense against infection.
They protect cells from damage caused by
unstable molecules known as free
radicals. Building Blocks Anti-OX is a
proprietary blend of high powered
antioxidants created specifically for
bariatric patients. In most cases,
Anti-OX is only needed for the first
year following surgery when a patient is
in a rapid weight loss period.
REMEMBER
It is not only important that gastric bypass patients remember to take all
supplements, daily and for life, but also that they have regular blood tests to check their levels of vitamins and minerals-particularly
iron, folate, and Vitamin B12.
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