| The malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass | | | | it was common for women "going through the |
| system prohibits adequate amounts of B-complex | | | | change" to take B-12 shots. |
| vitamins from food sources from entering the | | | | The Vitamin B complex refers to all of the known |
| body of weight loss surgery patients. Annual blood | | | | essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin |
| tests indicate that patients who do not | | | | C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1) riboflavin |
| supplement their diet with B-Complex Vitamins | | | | (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) pantothenic acid |
| are deficient. | | | | (vitamin B5) pyridoxine (vitamin B6) biotin, folic |
| B-Complex vitamins are found in both meat and | | | | acid and the cobalmins (vitamin B12). Each |
| plant foods. Most dietary supplements contain the | | | | member of the B-complex has a unique structure |
| B-Complex vitamins, but many WLS patients elect | | | | and performs unique functions in the body. |
| to take an additional B-Complex tablet. There is | | | | B-Complex vitamins support energy production, |
| risk of B-Complex deficiency due to malabsorption | | | | the immune system, proper cell division and |
| and limited food intake. B-Complex tablets can be | | | | support the nervous system. |
| purchased in sublingual form - a small tablet placed | | | | Recent research conducted by the National |
| under the tongue to be dissolved and absorbed | | | | Institute on Aging found that women over age 65 |
| through the soft tissues of the mouth. | | | | with a vitamin B12 deficiency were twice as likely |
| It has long been believed, although not scientifically | | | | to suffer from depression as those with a full |
| supported, that mega doses of B-complex | | | | store of the vitamin. Maybe Grandma was right |
| vitamins will combat everyday stress, boost | | | | to visit her doctor for that shot of cheerfulness. |
| energy and control food cravings. I can recall | | | | Today things are easier, slip a tab of feel-good |
| years ago my moody grandmother taking a trip | | | | nutrients under your tongue. |
| to see the town doctor for a B-12 shot. Much to | | | | Copyright © 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights |
| grandfather's relief she returned from the visit | | | | Reserved. |
| cheerful and seemingly stress-free. In those days | | | | |