Bariatric Multi-Vitamins: Make Sure they have the Right Amount of Zinc!

Zinc supplements are an important part of any bariatric or other gastric bypass surgery diet.  Your body is completely unable to process this mineral on its own, and it unfortunately doesn’t get the same attention as Calcium or the B vitamins.  However, it is every bit as essential for your well-being as these other, more “popular” minerals. 

Why Zinc is Important for Your Bariatric Diet 

Zinc is a powerful force when it comes to nourishing your immune system, which is why many of us think of it in conjunction with lozenges, fizzy drink mixes, or other “get well soon”, over-the-counter products.  However, this mineral is important for other reasons as well.  In fact, it plays a vital role in literally hundreds of your bodily functions! 

Aside from just supporting your immune system, it also aids in cell growth–especially in tissues around your joints.  Supplements have been shown to help wounds heal and even help hair health!  If you have ever had a flaky scalp, you may have noticed that this mineral even makes its way into your shampoo in the form of zinc pyrithione. 

There has also been research suggesting it can fight vision loss in the case of macular degeneration.  Macular degeneration is usually not a problem for anyone under the age of 65, but it helps to treat your body right so that you won’t have problems when you do reach that age. 

What if You Don’t Have Enough in Your Gastric Bypass Diet? 

What if you don’t get enough zinc?  Studies show that a deficiency can impair your immune function, as well as dull your taste buds and your ability to detect scent! 

Also, there are literally hundreds of zinc-dependant enzymes that are suspected to be involved in key metabolic responses.  In plain English, this means that some of your body’s digestive chemicals need this important mineral in order to be able to produce energy from the food you eat. 

Why You Need Zinc in a Well-Proportioned Bariatric Vitamin 

While zinc is 100% necessary to proper bodily function, it’s not a good thing to take too much.  Taking in more than 100mg a day for long periods of time can actually damage, instead of strengthen, your immune system.  This shouldn’t be too big a concern for most of us. However, it is still something you should keep in mind if you’re ever sick for an extended period of time. 

Another thing to remember is that this mineral can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb copper.  This is why many doctors recommend you take the two together, as part of a well balanced diet.  

Good bariatric multivitamins will include well-proportioned amounts of complimentary vitamins that aid and do not hinder absorption into your body.  That’s why it’s important to find one that is not only well-proportioned, but that also contains no malabsorption-causing fillers (for taste, shape, or chewability) in them.