Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy are most prone to a deficiency in which vitamin?

Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy are most prone to a deficiency in vitamin B12 due to several factors associated with this specific surgical procedure. Sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of a significant portion of the stomach, which can impact the absorption of certain nutrients.

Vitamin B12 absorption relies on intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is essential for the intestinal absorption of this vitamin. After surgery, especially in a sleeve gastrectomy where the size of the stomach is reduced, the production of intrinsic factor could be impaired. Additionally, changes in the gastrointestinal tract, such as a reduction in the surface area available for absorption, can further impact the body's ability to absorb not only vitamin B12 but other important nutrients as well.

As patients may also have altered pH levels and gastrointestinal motility after such surgeries, the overall absorption can be hindered even more. Consequently, individuals who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy should be monitored for deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, and may require supplementation to prevent related complications. This is significant for healthcare professionals to consider when managing the long-term care of such patients.