Vitamin B12

Bariatric Advantage B₁₂ SpeedyMelt^®s are fast melting delicious tablets that deliver 1,000 mcg of high-quality vitamin B₁₂ and 200 mcg folic acid for collaborative nutritional support. Bariatric surgery can increase the risk for Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, which has been reported in patients of all bariatric procedure types.¹ Excess weightis also a risk factor for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.²

Patients of certain bariatric procedure types may have limited intrinsic factor,³ a substance produced in the lower part of the stomach, which is needed to absorb vitamin B₁₂. Additionally,certain medications that many patients take before and after surgery can decrease vitamin B₁₂ absorption and stores in the body.

ASMBS guidelines call for 1,000 mcg ofvitamin B12per day for Gastric Bypass (RYGB/RNY) and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG/SG) patients.⁴

Vitamin B₁₂ is a cofactor in essential physiological reactions, and plays a very role for important nerves, brain, heart, blood cell production, and DNA, Adequate B₁₂ helps maintain energy metabolism.*

1. Andres E, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly patients. CMAJ. 2004:171;251-9.
2. Baltaci D, et al. Association of vitamin B12 with obesity, overweight, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, and body fat composition; primary care-based study. Med Glas (Zenica). 2013 Aug;10(2):203-10.
3. Hamad, Giselle G. et al. "The Effect of Gastric Bypass on the Pharmacokinetics of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors." Am Journ Psychiatry 169.3 (2012): 256–263. PMC. Web. 27 Feb. 2017.
4. Mechanick, Jeffrey I. et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient—2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.