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Why BariNutrics®

The BariNutrics© philosophy is simple: leverage science to design tailored, high quality, highly absorbable supplements that meet the unique nutritional requirements of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Bariatric weight loss surgery is a highly effective treatment to combat obesity and support sustained weight loss. In addition, it has been shown to mitigate other obesity-related conditions inducing the remission of type 2 diabetes, improving cardiovascular health, mood, fertility and alleviating joint pain. However, it is not without risk. While there are several different types of bariatric procedures, all interfere with nutritional intake and gastrointestinal absorption of nutrients to some degree, which can lead to a broad array of other health concerns.


Nutritional Deficiencies Occur With All Procedures

There are several different types of bariatric weight loss surgeries, all of which have been shown to increase a patient’s risk of long term nutritional deficiencies. Surgical procedures are generally classified into restrictive procedures, in which the stomach capacity is greatly reduced or malabsorptive procedures, in which malabsorption is the primary driver of weight loss. They may also involve a combination of both.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Bypass

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VGA or gastric sleeve) removes approximately 60 – 85% of the stomach, leaving the remaining portion of the stomach in a sleeve like shape. This is a restrictive procedure and nutritional deficiencies may arise due to reduced stomach volume, reduced dietary intake of nutrient-rich foods, decreased capacity for digestion, and reduced gastric acid affecting nutrient absorption.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Sleeve

Worldwide, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains the most commonly performed weight loss surgery.1 It involves separating off a small section of the stomach using surgical staples to create a short, pocket-shaped, pouch-like stomach. The bowel is then divided and re-joined in such a way that food is diverted from the stomach to a part of the bowel that is further along the digestive tract. This is a restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. Weight loss occurs as this part of the bowel is not efficient at absorbing fats and sugars. Nutritional deficiency may occur as sections of the digestive tract where optimal absorption of fat soluble vitamins and other minerals is bypassed.

Adjustable Gastric Band

Adjustable Gastric Band

The adjustable gastric band involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to make the stomach smaller. A silicon balloon is then placed inside the stomach to restrict stomach capacity. This is a restrictive surgery and nutritional deficiency may occur due to reduction in dietary intake and lowered tolerance for key nutrient-dense foods. This procedure is becoming less popular due to potential complications and the need for secondary operations.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

The duodenal switch procedure reduces stomach size, reroutes the intestine and removes the gallbladder. This a malabsorptive procedure and nutrient deficiencies may arise due to reduced dietary intake, reduced stomach volume, significant malabsorption, reduced gastric acid and decreased digestive capacity.

The most common micronutrient deficiencies after surgery include calcium and vitamin D, folate, iron, B12, zinc and copper.2 This can lead to long-term complications such as osteoporosis, anaemia (and poor energy) and neurological problems. Patients may also commonly suffer deficiency of the macronutrient protein, which can lead to generalised weakness, and poor body composition.

Weight loss surgery diminishes a person’s overall intake of food and often reduces the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D. To optimise health and wellbeing – especially that of the bones and teeth, calcium supplementation is recommended. Experts suggest that after surgery patients take calcium, in the form of calcium citrate since this preparation is well-absorbed, even with decreased gastric acid. Barinutrics calcium chewy bites provide this form of calcium as well as vitamin D to maximise the absorption of calcium.

Unfortunately, many patients already present with several nutritional deficiencies prior to surgery – therefore may benefit from a nutritional top-up in time leading up to their surgery as well.

Who are BariNutrics©

BariNutrics© is owned and manufactured by Metagenics ANZ – a leading natural medicine company recognised for their innovation in Natural Health products and their leading clinical education by healthcare practitioners and patients throughout Australia and New Zealand. With a strong global backing, BariNutrics© leverage the scientific and formulation expertise of our associate company Bariatric Advantage – who are recognised as the market leader in ‘targeted nutrition’ of the weight loss surgery patient in the Unites States – a position the company has maintained since it was founded in 2002. They now have the support of over 650 Bariatric surgical programs throughout the nation.

For over 30 years, Metagenics ANZ has been dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier lives. Through their market leading brands and efficacious products formulated by Naturopaths and Nutritionists, they strive to deliver optimal health solutions that people love and swear by. Their passion for scientific discovery, unparalleled quality and their $40 million investment in their TGA-approved, GMP-certified testing laboratory and manufacturing facility have seen them continue to set new standards in product innovation, quality, safety and efficacy.

B Corp Inforgraphic

The BariNutrics© Advantage

Metagenics ANZ is also proud to be a certified B Corp. As a certified B Corp, Metagenics is guided by socially and environmentally focused principles that commits us to being ethical, transparent and accountable about our impact on our people, community, customers and the environment with the goal of bringing positive change to the world.

References:

  1. Patel J , et al. Micronutrient deficiencies after bariatric surgery – an emphasis on vitamins and trace minerals. Nutr Clin Pract 2017; 32: 471-80.
  2. Corbeels K, et al. Thin bones: vitamin D and calcium handling after bariatric surgery. Bone Rep 2018; June 8: 57 – 63.
  3. Mohapatra S, et al. Malnutrition in obesity before and after bariatric surgery. Dis Mon. 2020 Feb;66(2):100866.