Which vitamin may have a deficiency rate as high as 63% in patients 1-4 years post gastro-surgery?

Vitamin D deficiency can be particularly prevalent in patients who have undergone gastric surgery, especially procedures like gastric bypass. Such surgeries can significantly affect the absorption of various nutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D. The anatomical changes from these surgeries lead to reduced gastrointestinal surface area, impairing the body’s ability to absorb not only fats but also the vitamins that rely on fat for absorption.

Patients in the 1-4 years following gastro-surgery are at heightened risk for this deficiency because their altered digestive systems may not adequately process and absorb Vitamin D from dietary sources or supplements. Additionally, after surgery, individuals often have dietary restrictions which further limit their intake of Vitamin D-rich foods.

Understanding this context highlights the critical nature of monitoring and managing Vitamin D levels in post-operative care for patients who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries. This management is essential to prevent long-term health issues associated with deficiency, such as impaired bone health and immune function.