Patient-Reported Adherence to Empiric Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Related Nutrient Deficiencies After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with nutrient deficiencies, but the optimal supplement regimen remains unclear. We assessed patient-reported adherence to and efficacy of Mayo Clinic's post-RYGB vitamin/mineral supplement protocol and the related incidence of common nutrient deficiencies.

Methods: Data were collected on 287 obese patients who underwent RYGB. Patient-reported supplement adherence was assessed via medication/supplement lists generated by medication reconciliation in hospital dismissal summaries and clinic notes at 6, 12, and 18-36 months postsurgery. Deficiencies were assessed via measurements of hemoglobin, ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and vitamins A, E, and B in the setting of our supplementation protocol.

Results: Patient-reported adherence to multivitamin/minerals and subcutaneous vitamin B was sustained in >92 % of patients, correlating with low rates of vitamin A, E, and B deficiencies (4.9, 0, and 3.7 %, respectively). Rates of calcium supplementation decreased (94.1 to 78.7 %) while rates of vitamin D and iron use increased over time (39.7 to 65.8 and 6.3 to 23.1 %, respectively). At 18-36 months, vitamin D deficiency persisted in 16.2 % of patients, iron deficiency in 6.7 % of women and 17.2 % of men, and anemia in 12.2 % of women and 34.3 % of men.

Conclusion: Compared to previous reports, we found a lower prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and excellent patient-reported adherence to a standardized multivitamin/mineral and vitamin B regimen. Continued prevalence of vitamin D deficiency prompts consideration of standardized vitamin D supplementation after RYGB. Anemia and iron deficiency were observed at lower rates than previously reported, but were more common in men compared to women.