Introduction. Few data are available on
vitamin A deficiency in the
gastric bypass population. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review of
gastric bypass patients (n = 69, 74% female). The relationship between serum
vitamin A concentration and markers of
protein metabolism at 6-weeks and 1-year post-operative were assessed. Results. The average
weight loss at 6-weeks and 1-year following surgery was 20.1 ± 9.1 kg and 44.1 ± 17.1 kg, respectively. At 6 weeks and 1 year after surgery, 35% and 18% of patients were
vitamin A deficient, (<325 mcg/L). Similarly, 34% and 19% had low pre-
albumin levels (<18 mg/dL), at these time intervals.
Vitamin A directly correlated with pre-
albumin levels at 6 weeks (r = 0.67, P < 0.001) and 1-year (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the roux limb length measurement and pre-
albumin or
vitamin A serum concentrations at these post-operative follow-ups.
Vitamin A levels and markers of liver function testing were also unrelated. Conclusion.
Vitamin A deficiency is common after
bariatric surgery and is associated with a low serum concentration of pre-
albumin. This fat-soluble
vitamin should be measured in patients who have undergone
gastric bypass surgery and deficiency should be suspected in those with evidence of
protein-calorie malnutrition.