Supreme B-Complex is now B50-Complex

Bariatric Advantage® is pleased to introduce our NEW B-50 Complex with Active B-Vitamins. After much consultation with both doctors and patients we feel this product now meets the needs of weight loss surgery patients much better than before.

Some of the advantages of the new product include:

• Small capsule size – these are a very easy-to-swallow
• Activated forms of B-vitamins – we have really upgraded our ingredients to use the active forms of folic acid, B12 and B6 – this means better absorption and metabolism
• Adjustments of levels – we brought some nutrient levels up and others down to make a product that is more specific to the needs of our customers
• Fewer excipients – we have significantly reduced the levels of excipients (non-active ingredients) in this product

For our refill customers: Please note that your daily dose on this product is now 2 capsules. These can be taken at the same time for convenience, or divided into 2 doses if you prefer.

Why does the calcium have vitamin K?
Vitamin K is an important nutrient for bone health. Many people do not get adequate vitamin K and deficiency has been shown to contribute to bone loss. Vitamin K can not only increase bone mineral density in osteoporotic people but also actually reduce fracture rates. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests that vitamins D and K are synergistic, and work better for bone health when used together. If you are supposed to avoid vitamin K, please consult with your doctor before trying products with vitamin K.

Do you make a chewable potassium?
We do not make a chewable potassium supplement at this time.

Is vitamin A safe?
Vitamin A has two basic forms that are found in supplements. Retinol, often called pre-formed vitamin A, can be toxic if you take too much. The Institute of Medicine set the tolerable upper limit (UL) at 10,000 IU per day for adults. However, sometimes patients with deficiency or malabsorption need more - you should ask your doctor if you are concerned. The other form of vitamin A is beta-carotene, sometimes called "pro-vitamin A." Beta-carotene is non-toxic even at very high doses and does not have an upper limit for this reason.

Will taking zinc stop hair loss?
If you have a zinc deficiency, taking additional zinc may be beneficial for hair. There are many causes of hair loss - some are nutritional and some are not. Other nutritional causes include iron and protein deficiency. If you are losing hair and are concerned about it, your doctor can help you determine whether extra nutrition will be helpful.

What is Chromium picolinate?
Chromium picolinate is a specialized form of the essential trace mineral chromium, bound to picolinic acid. Chromium picolinate has been well-studied for the support of balanced blood sugar.

What are bioflavonoids?
Bioflavonoids are colorful molecules found in the skins of many fruits and vegetables. Scientists have become increasingly interested in the potential for various dietary flavonoids to explain some of the health benefits associated with fruit and vegetable-rich diets. They also help to support the uptake and use of vitamin C.

Omega 3: is there a daily value for this product?
There is currently no formal recommended intake level for Omega3 fatty acids. This is likely to change in the future and Bariatric Advantage will update the product information when it does.

Are Essential Fats good for weight loss surgery patients
Yes. Essential fats, also called omega-3 fats, are important for everyone. There is some evidence that they are malabsorbed after surgery, but more importantly they are critical to health and very few people have adequate dietary sources. Marine (fish) sources are the best-studied for health. These fats support the health of the heart, brain, skin, joints, eye and hormone balance.

What essential fatty acid products do we carry
Bariatric Advantage Omega-3 Berry flavored Chewy Bites (60 chews per bag), Bariatric Advantage Opti-EPA High-Potency Fish Oil (60 count soft gels), and CorOmega - fish oil emulsion.

How is D3 different from D2?
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is differenet from vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). D2 is the most common commercial form because it can be readily prepared from plant materials that contain the compound ergosterol. Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is the form that animals (including humans) synthesize from cholesterol, and is considered to be the natural form of the vitamin. D3 is estimated to be 3 times more potent than vitamin D2

How much vitamin D do I need?
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 200 IU for adults up to age 50, 400 IU for adults ages 51 to 70 and 600 IU for adults over 70 years of age. However, there is currently a lot of debate about whether this is enough. Vitamin D is a common deficiency with obesity and with weight loss surgery. Your doctor should be able to tell from your labs if you are getting enough vitamin D and advise you as to how much you need to maintian healthy levels.

Do I need extra vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in people with obesity and in those who have had weight loss surgery. The only way to really know if you need more vitamin D is to have lab tests done to check for the levels in your body. Your doctor can provide you with information about this kind of testing.

Should I take extra vitamin A?
Fat malabsorption can occur with some forms of weight loss surgery and this can also mean that some fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A are not well absorbed. If you are concerned about your vitamin A levels, they can be checked through a simple blood test. Vitamin A can be toxic when taken in excess. so it is best to know if you need more than the level in your multivitamin before taking it on your own.

What are benefits in taking Acidophilus?
Acidophilus is a strain of bacteria that is normally found in the healthy digestive system. Levels of this healthy bacteria are often damaged after taking antibiotics or having surgery on the digestive system. Replacement can help to restore levels in the digestive system. This can support normal digestion and local immunity in the digestive system, help to maintain bowel regularity, and may benefit nutrient absorption.