Work

Assessment of Preoperative Multivitamin Use on the Impact on Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients with Obesity Prior to Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most patients achieve successful weight loss following metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS), but they face an increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to altered gastrointestinal physiology and dietary restrictions. This study evaluated the impact of a specialized multivitamin on blood serum levels before MBS. METHODS: A prospective, within-patient comparison trial was conducted between January and July 2023 at a large bariatric clinic. Differences in serum micronutrient levels between baseline and the 3-month follow-up were assessed, along with changes in the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies. RESULTS: , zinc, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D, showed significant increases (p < 0.001). Conversely, magnesium, phosphate, and albumin levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Among 21 parameters, deficiencies were identified in 17 (80.1%), with prevalence rates ranging from 1.0% (copper) to 88.8% (vitamin D). After 3 months, significant reductions in deficiency prevalence were observed for iron, folic acid, and vitamin D. However, phosphate deficiency increased significantly, from 2.1 to 19.8% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in patients with obesity. Preoperative specialized multivitamin supplementation effectively reduces key deficiencies, particularly in iron, folic acid, and vitamin D. Future research should address residual deficiencies and evaluate long-term outcomes of prolonged supplementation.

Source: Obesity Surgery

DOI: 10.1007/s11695-025-07853-1