A Literature Review of Taste Change and Zinc Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery: Could There Be a Causal Link?

Abstract

In this review, we collated evidence relating to taste change and zinc deficiency in relation to bariatric surgery (BS) and effects of zinc replacement on taste perception and speculate on the possible role of zinc deficiency to induce taste change after BS. A literature search was conducted (33 studies, N = 3264). We showed that taste change and zinc deficiency are frequent complications after BS, which both typically occurred at 6 months post-surgery. Our analysis did not support a causal link between the two, but similar onset of incidences indirectly indicates a link. Supplementation with 45–50 mg of zinc sulphate, higher than current recommendation, was effective in improving taste. Further studies are required to establish the causal link between the two in the context of BS.

Associations between Zinc Deficiency, Taste Changes, and Salivary Flow Rates following Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgeries

“…These results indicate that hypogeusia is a frequent side effect after both types of BS, but more frequent among MGB patients. These results are thus in agreement with our recent review which included a variety of patient populations studied in different clinical settings that found that taste change was reported more frequently among gastric bypass patients than among those undergoing other types of BS [ 10 ]. This study also used a taste strip test to compare the outcomes after both methods of surgery: these tests confirmed that hypogeusia was more frequent after MGB than after SG.…”

“…No studies using patient self-reports contradict this idea of taste change following BS, though controversy has arisen based on variance in detecting taste changes using quantitative or experimental methods such as taste detection and (10). In contrast to previous experimental studies that did not detect 3 (13.6) 0 (0) -0 (0) 0 (0) - † Te test for a diference was performed by using an independent t-test for parametric variables.…”

“…Conversely, research studies employing proven sensory approaches, such as oral sampling or direct food intake measures, indicate little to no change in the ability to perceive taste or in evidenced preference for consuming energy-dense meals [ 9 ]. A subsequent review in 2022 also found that studies using surveys reported a considerable percentage of patients reporting experiencing taste changes following BS, while studies that assessed taste alteration using experimental approaches such as recognition thresholds, fMRI, and the sweetness acceptability test did not identify any significant effect of changes in taste after BS [ 10 ].…”

Update on Micronutrients in Bariatric Surgery: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

“…For ease of presentation, we have compiled the literature that has been included in this analysis into Table 1. 10 Saudi Arabia Literature Review…”

“…The study found that supplementing with 45-50 mg of zinc sulfate, a higher dosage than the current recommendation, was successful in enhancing taste. 10 According to Dagan et al's research, experts recommend specific nutritional care during the perioperative and long-term postoperative periods. This includes taking two doses of multivitamin-mineral supplements containing iron, folic acid, zinc, copper, selenium, and thiamin (equivalent to 200% of the recommended daily allowance), a 600-mg calcium supplement daily, and 3000 IU of vitamin D per day (either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol).…”