Vitamin A Deficiency after Gastric Bypass Surgery : An Underreported Postoperative Complication

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Few data are available on vitamin A deficiency in the gastric bypass population.

Methods.

We performed a retrospective chart review of gastric bypass patients (n=69, 74% female).

The relationship between serum vitamin A concentration and markers of protein metabolism at 6-weeks and 1-year post-operative were assessed.

Results.

The average weight loss at 6-weeks and 1-year following surgery was 20.1±9.1 kg and 44.1±17.1 kg, respectively.

At 6 weeks and 1 year after surgery, 35% and 18% of patients were vitamin A deficient, (<325 mcg/L).

Similarly, 34% and 19% had low pre-albumin levels (<18 mg/dL), at these time intervals.

Vitamin A directly correlated with pre-albumin levels at 6 weeks (r=0.67, P<0.001) and 1-year (r=0.67, P<0.0001).

There was no correlation between the roux limb length measurement and pre-albumin or vitamin A serum concentrations at these post-operative follow-ups.

Vitamin A levels and markers of liver function testing were also unrelated.

Conclusion.

Vitamin A deficiency is common after bariatric surgery and is associated with a low serum concentration of pre-albumin.

This fat-soluble vitamin should be measured in patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and deficiency should be suspected in those with evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition.