May 9, 2021
Iron and B12 are the most common deficiencies in gastric surgery. Caused by rapid transit of digesta and lack of gastric acid secretion, which decreases conversion of ferric to ferrous ions. B12 deficiency is due to the lack of intrinsic factor because parietal cells are reduced. Calcium is often deficient due to fat malabsorption. Copper is also primarily deficient in fat malabsorption. Vitamin D, thiamin, and zinc can also be deficient in fat maldigestion.