Maintenance of Multivitamin Supplements After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Introduction

After all bariatric procedures, multivitamin supplements are uniformly prescribed to minimize eventual deficiencies. These supplements are usually maintained long time, even during the whole life after malabsorptive techniques, while these are maintained at least during 1 year after restrictive procedures. Given that sleeve gastrectomy does not alter intestinal absorption, the supplements are possibly unnecessary, once the patient can take an adequate diet.

Patients and Methods

A prospective randomized study of patients undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed. Patients were randomized into two groups: those patients receiving the multivitamin supplement (Multicentrum, Pfizer, 1 tablet/day) during 3 months (group 1) and those receiving the supplement during 12 months (group 2). Laboratory data were recorded: vitamins (D, B12 and folic acid) and oligoelements (calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc) at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Eighty patients were included, 40 in each group. At 3 months, 7.5 % of the patients presented iron deficiency and 2.5 % ferritin one, similarly in both groups, that was corrected with specific extra iron supplements. At 6 months, one patient (2.5 %) in group 1 presented iron deficiency and one in group 2 vitamin D deficiency (NS). At 12 months, only one patient in group 2 presented vitamin D deficiency, treated with specific supplements.

Conclusion

The maintenance of multivitamin supplements more than 3 months postoperatively seems to be of no benefit. It is preferable monitoring laboratory values and adding specific supplements when necessary.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02620137