Perioperative Micronutrient Deficiencies in Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Chaithawat Peetathawatchai, MD1, Veeradej Pisprasert, MD1, Pranithi Hongsprabhas, MD1, Sornwichate Rattanachaiwong, MD1, Thunchanok Kuichanuan, MD1
Affiliation : 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background: Bariatric surgery is effective for weight loss and managing obesity-related comorbidities, but micronutrient deficiencies may occur before and after the procedure. The present study evaluates the prevalence of these deficiencies during the perioperative period.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, reviewing medical records of patients living with obesity treated between January 2014 and January 2024. Levels of vitamin B1, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, copper, and zinc were measured pre-surgery and at intervals post-surgery: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years.
Results: Of the 72 patients, 55.6% were female, with a median age of 30.5 years and a mean BMI of 45.54 kg/m². Most underwent sleeve gastrectomy (84.7%). Pre-surgery, deficiencies were most common in vitamin D (94.8%), zinc (34.4%), and iron (33.3%). Post-surgery, vitamin D deficiency persisted in over 50% of patients throughout all follow-up periods, zinc deficiency ranged from 25% at 3 months to 58.3% at 24 months, and iron deficiency varied from 7.3% to 18.8% between 3 to 24 months. Vitamin B12 deficiency was noted in 11.9% pre-surgery and emerged early post-surgery. No deficiencies were found pre-surgery in vitamin B1, folate, vitamin A, or copper, and their post-surgery incidence was minimal.
Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiencies, notably of vitamin D, iron, and zinc, are prevalent both before and after bariatric surgery, necessitating regular monitoring and appropriate supplementation to optimize patient health.
Keywords : Bariatric surgery; Micronutrient; Micronutrient deficiency; Obesity; Trace element; Vitamin
