Iron is a vital element in the human body, playing a major role in metabolism and the creation of hundreds of different proteins and enzymes. It has numerous vital functions and must be maintained at proper levels.
One group that may struggle with iron deficiency is anyone who has recently undergone weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. This surgery limits the nutrients the body can absorb, including iron in many cases. Luckily, we at Pharmics, Inc. offer high-quality iron supplements designed for recent bariatric patients. Read on to learn more.
Bariatric Surgery and Iron Deficiency
For starters, many patients of bariatric surgery already have low iron levels prior to their surgery. In addition, the surgery leads to lower levels of stomach acid, which iron requires to be absorbed. This leads to between 20% and 50% of all bariatric surgery patients to experience iron deficiency, or anemia.
Unfortunately, a standard daily multivitamin may not prevent this, as the amounts involved in these vitamins are generally fairly low. In addition, iron deficiency will worsen with time as the body slowly runs out of iron stores. Iron deficiencies tend to develop within six to nine months of bariatric surgery, but may also delay for several years in some cases.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Recent bariatric surgery patients may notice several symptoms that suggest iron deficiency, including:
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate, especially during physical activity
- Heart palpitations
- Decreased athletic or work capacity
- Inability to maintain normal body temperature
- Brittle nails
- Sores at the corner of the mouth
- Limited sensitivity in taste buds
- Sore tongue
- Certain forms of hair loss
- Lower immune status
- Headaches or amnesia
- Irritability, depression or even decreased mental capacity
Ease and Convenience of Our Supplements
Luckily, our high-quality supplements will remedy any symptoms of iron deficiency recent bariatric surgery patients are going through. They easily meet the daily recommendations for iron and even go well above if needed, as many bariatric patients will require as much as 100 mg of iron per day to supplement what their body has lost.
In addition, our supplements are easy and convenient to use. We even offer a chewable form that’s highly convenient to bariatric patients, who often have trouble swallowing pill-form supplements during this period.
To learn more about any of our iron supplements for bariatric patients, speak to our staff today.
Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.