Bariatric vitamins usually play a significant role right after surgery so that the body can revive its original self once again. Vitamins and minerals are required in small amounts as compared to carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Bariatric vitamins help in the metabolism regulation process and also in the calorie to energy conversion step.
However, it shall be helpful to know how each of the bariatric vitamins helps to achieve “body replenishment” goals.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is usually derived from animal foods such as eggs and fatty fish in the form of retinol. Beta-carotene is found in carrots and sweet potatoes. It takes care of the functioning of the immune system, vision, and reproduction. Promotion of growth and good health also occurs.
- B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine deficiency in patients can cause serious damage. Too much vomiting or the increase of the intake of carbohydrates through artificial feeding are also signs of thiamine deficiency. Daily consumption is essential as thiamine does not go into the body storage. Responsible for brain and nerve functions and for converting the food into energy.
- VitaminB12: Very common in patients. Occurs when the vitamin B12 is not digested. Shortness of breath, pale skin and loss of appetite are some reasons, and so are vision loss and memory loss. Also depression. The digestive system of bariatric patients is subject to change and suffers more from this deficiency.
- Vitamin C: Injuries and bruises that occur during surgery can be taken care of by dosages of vitamin C. Absence of vitamin C can result in the occurrence of stroke and increased levels of blood pressure. Joints become painful and swollen, the immune system weakens, and wounds take a longer time to heal.
- Multivitamins: Dosages of these are required to fill the empty blanks in our diet. Especially the patients out of surgery undergo a diet in which required vitamins and minerals are missing. These are available in powder and tablet form.
- Vitamin K: This plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. Mostly required by bariatric patients because their intestinal tract is altered.