Weight loss surgery patients need bariatric vitamins and supplements for the rest of their lives. Doctors know this and generally will instruct their patients to regularly take them. Believe it or not, some doctors actually recommend children’s chewables! I wish I was kidding–but I’m not.
As a weight loss surgery patient, your need for nutritional vitamins and supplements is higher than the average adult’s–and especially more than a child’s! How a doctor would even consider advising a patient to take a children’s vitamin is beyond me.
Children’s Vitamins are for Kids – Obviously
The fact of the matter is that vitamins designed for kids do not even come close to the supplement needs of an adult, much less for adults who have had weight loss surgery. Not only do these children’s vitamins not have enough nutrition for adults, they are also loaded with filler.
As discussed previously here, fillers hinder absorption rates. Chewable vitamins are loaded with additive fillers that give them color and make them flavorful and chewable. Children’s chewables are most commonly the worst culprits for fillers, as children tend to be picky about what they eat. They need to taste “extra good.”
I know this should seem fairly obvious to doctors, dietitians, and bariatric patients, but apparently it is not. Doctors and dietitians are recommending these Saturday-morning children’s treats to gastric bypass patients who have very serious nutritional needs. To make matters worse, WLS forums tout the great taste and use of children’s vitamins. This is becoming far too prevalent and it is pretty hard to understand.
What Makes a Great Multi-Vitamin?
A bariatric multi-vitamin should provide essential micronutrients in both fat and water-soluble vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals. A high concentration of B-complex vitamins and folic acid helps aid women’s health. Calcium in a good multi-vitamin should be in citrate form, or a chelated form. This helps to ensure maximum absorption. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a vitamin for a child will meet your nutritional needs.
Weight loss surgery patients that rely on children’s vitamins are taking a big risk for having dangerous nutritional deficiencies. Bariatric multi-vitamins that absorb into your system quickly are mandatory, not optional. A vitamin designed for children simply does not fit the bill.
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