The Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Vitamin B Status and Mental Health

Abstract

Diet is a modifiable factor that ensures optimal growth, biochemical performance, improved mood and mental functioning. Lack of nutrients, notably vitamin B, has an impact on human health and wellbeing. The United Arab Emirates is facing a serious problem of micronutrient deficiencies because of the growing trend for bariatric surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. People undergoing bariatric surgery are at high risk of developing neurological, cognitive, and mental disabilities and cardiovascular disease due to deficiency in vitamin B. Vitamin B is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, including γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Deficiency of vitamin B increases the risk of depression, anxiety, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, vitamin B deficiency can disrupt the methylation of homocysteine, leading to hyperhomocysteinemia. Elevated homocysteine levels are detrimental to human health. Vitamin B deficiency also suppresses immune function, increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulates NF-κB. Considering the important functions of vitamin B and the severe consequences associated with its deficiency following bariatric surgery, proper dietary intervention and administration of adequate supplements should be considered to prevent negative clinical outcomes.

Operative management of acute abdomen after bariatric surgery in the emergency setting: the OBA guidelines

“…People undergoing bariatric surgery are at high risk of developing neurological, cognitive and mental disabilities and cardiovascular disease due to deficiency of vitamin B. Early detection is important to prevent complications including Wernicke encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy and bariatric beri beri [ 34 , 35 ]. Vitamin B12 could be administered orally, intra-muscularly, intranasal, intravenous.…”

Functional Foods and Their Implications for Health Promotion

“…In addition to vitamin C, berries contain the water-soluble B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12), but at lower concentrations compared to vitamin C. With regard to physiological functions, Joshi et al (2001) demonstrated the hydroxyl and lipid peroxyl radical scavenging properties of folate (vitamin B9) in rat liver microsomes (Joshi et al, 2001). Deficiency of folate (vitamin B9) was reported to promote depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and CVD in a recent meta-analysis study (Al Mansoori et al, 2021). Perhaps, contributing to the protective effects in CVD, folate (vitamin B9) supplementation in vivo decreased LDL peroxidation and number of atherosclerotic plaques in Apo-E deficient mice (Carnicer et al, 2007).…”

Nutritional Management in Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…Therefore, a persistent supplementation is required. In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia can be a driver of these conditions [75]. A small amount of BS patients experience other types of mental impairment and addictions (i.e., alcohol, opioids) that can be linked to hormonal and bile acids imbalance [76].…”