Check those Symptoms!

Check those Symptoms – Do You Have a Vitamin Deficiency?

Prevent nutrient deficiencies after surgery by meeting protein goals, eating a variety of healthy foods, taking vitamin and mineral supplements and having labs monitored every 3 months for the first year after surgery and then annually. Contact your nutritionist or surgeon with questions.

Nutrient Function in Adults Deficiency Source
Vitamin A Necessary for normal vision, reproduction, is an antioxidant Night blindness, dry eyes, dry skin, dry hair, itching (pruritus), sterility, increased infections, gastroenteritis Liver, fatty fish, carrots, alfalfa, tomatoes, apricots, multi vitamin
Thiamine (Vitamin B-1) Needed to convert blood sugar into glucose and to breakdown carbohydrates, proteins and fats Headache, nausea, fatigue, irritability, depression, abdominal discomfort, mental confusion, anorexia, muscle weakness, swelling, rapid heart rate, Beriberi: swelling, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands and feet, confusion, trouble breathing, uncontrolled eye movements

 

Whole grains, organ meat, yeast, multi vitamin (missing from gummy vitamins)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) Needed for the production of energy Dry or inflamed throat, dermatitis, anemia, fatigue, digestive problems, cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth, swollen magenta-colored tongue, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light Meats, eggs, dairy, vegetables, multi vitamin (missing from gummy vitamins)
Niacin (Vitamin B-3) Needed for metabolism Dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia (pellagra) Meat, liver, yeast, multi vitamin
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) Functions in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins Deficiency is not common: fatigue,

Depression,

Irritability,

Insomnia,

stomach pains,

vomiting,

burning feet,

upper respiratory infections

 

Found in a wide variety of foods, multi vitamin
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) Needed for metabolism Changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety and depression; confusion; muscle pains; low energy; worsening symptoms of anemia Seeds, grains, milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, liver, multi vitamin
Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9) Necessary for normal cell division Anemia (megaloblastic) Poor growth, tongue inflammation, gingivitis, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, diarrhea, irritability,forgetfulness.

 

Meat, liver, eggs, leafy vegetables, multi vitamin
Biotin Needed in the metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates Hair loss (alopecia), a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area, cracking in the corners of the mouth (cheilitis), swollen and painful magenta colored tongue (glossitis), dry eyes, fatigue, insomnia, depression Bacteria in the intestines produce biotin, eggs, meat, nuts, milk, grains, multi vitamin
       
Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) Needed for DNA synthesis, protein metabolism, proper nerve function Anemia (pernicious): weakness, tiredness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, pale skin; a smooth tongue, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nerve problems: numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking;

vision loss, mental problems: depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes

 

Animal sources like meat, milk, eggs After weight loss surgery vitamin B-12 isn’t absorbed well in the digestive system and sublingual (under the tongue) supplements or injections may be needed
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Needed for wound healing, improves immune function Tiredness, weakness, muscle and joint pains, easy bruising, spots that look like tiny, red-blue bruises on your skin, dry skin, splitting hair, swelling and discoloration of your gums, sudden and unexpected bleeding from your gums, nosebleeds, poor healing of wounds, problems fighting infections, joint pains, changes in your bones, tooth loss

 

Found in citrus fruits, berries, melon, tomatoes, green peppers and cabbage
Vitamin D Maintains healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Rickets (a disease in which the bone tissue doesn’t properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities), osteoporosis,  increased risk of death: from heart disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, and cancer

 

Fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks — and in fortified dairy and grain products.
Vitamin E Important antioxidant, essential for fat metabolism, reproduction Lipid metabolism disorders, anemia (hemolytic), infertility, increased risk of heart disease or cancer, muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye movements, vision problems, unsteady walking, long-term deficiency may also cause liver and kidney problems

 

Vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables
Vitamin K Key role in blood clotting and bone health Deficiencies are rare but could result in excessive bleeding or osteoporosis Produced by bacteria in the gut, beef liver, green tea, turnip greens, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, asparagus, and dark green lettuce

Download Healthful Tips: Check those Symptoms–Do you have a Vitamin Deficiency? 

 

 

About Deb Hart

Deb Hart is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. For the last 28 years, she has been helping bariatric surgery patients reach their health and weight goals. She teaches people how to set up a lifestyle that supports a healthy weight. Deb set up her own lifestyle to include lots of long walks with her furry family members, workout classes at her local wellness center, meal prepping, and finding new ways to enjoy foods without added sugar.
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