Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that helps individuals achieve significant weight loss and improved health. However, these surgeries also come with certain nutritional challenges that need to be carefully managed. One crucial nutrient that patients must monitor is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that plays an essential role in maintaining the health of your body’s blood and nerve cells. It is also vital in the production of DNA, the genetic material present in all cells. Ensuring you get enough vitamin B12 is fundamental for overall health and well-being. George Hamlyn Williams, Clinical Services Manager and Bariatric Dietician at Streamline, highlights the critical role of vitamin B12 supplements post bariatric surgery due to impaired nutrient absorption, essential for preventing deficiencies and maintaining overall health.
Why is vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood and nerve cells. It is also essential for DNA synthesis, the genetic material in all of your cells. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to severe health issues, including anaemia and neurological problems.
Natural sources of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods. Some of the best sources include:
- Fish and seafood: Oysters and clams are particularly rich in vitamin B12.
- Meat: Beef liver is an excellent source.
- Poultry: Chicken and turkey also provide substantial amounts.
- Eggs
- Milk and other dairy products
Given these sources, individuals following a vegan diet often struggle to meet their vitamin B12 needs through food alone and typically require a daily supplement to avoid deficiency.
Vitamin B12 and bariatric surgery
After gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgery, absorption of vitamin B12 from food and oral supplements is compromised as the substance produced by the stomach which helps you to absorb the vitamin B12 is significantly reduced or even totally absent. People who undergo these operations are therefore at risk of developing deficiency. The standard treatment to prevent deficiency for these patients is vitamin B12 injections, lifelong, every 3 months. Some patients may require injections more frequently, and if a true deficiency is identified, several injections over 1-2 weeks are needed, known as a ‘loading dose’. These injections need to be prescribed and so are commonly organised by your GP surgery, but Streamline can refer you to our partners at Treat Local for injections if you prefer, for £29.00 per injection.
Vitamin B12 injection benefits
Vitamin B12 injections offer significant health benefits, especially for those who can’t absorb the vitamin from food or supplements. They boost energy levels by converting food into energy, helping to combat fatigue and weakness. These injections also improve mood and mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and mood disorders. Additionally, vitamin B12 influences melatonin production, which regulates sleep cycles, leading to better sleep quality and consistent sleep patterns.
For more information on vitamin and mineral supplements after bariatric surgery- please visit our blog
Streamline, in collaboration with Elan, has developed a bespoke package of vitamin and mineral supplements which meet the BOMSS guidelines for both Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. View the full range here – https://www.elan-products.co.uk/STREAM-range/
