Good Info On Calcium and Iron

I just read about Ramon's mishap yesterday. As a long-term post-op myself and so is my DH, I know that many of us fall into the old we're fine and normal routine and forget about vitamins. Ramon's (and Debra's April problem) hospitalization should help us refocus, rethink and realize how important our daily vitamins are! Since I am Lactose Intolerant now, I KNOW I don't get enough Calcium, and have already tested in teh deficient levels last year! All that being said, do whatever it takes to take care of yourself after RNY!! We ARE NOT NORMAL!!!!! This is good info I received today and I wanted to share!

Iron, Calcium, and Gastric Bypass: What's the Story?

Both iron and calcium are important after gastric bypass surgery.  It is important to both get and absorb enough of each of these nutrients to try to prevent anemia and maintain healthy bone.

The guidelines from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (AMSBS) recommend that after gastric bypass patients should get 1500 to 2000mg of calcium from calcium citrate each day.  They also advise a minimal level of 18 to 27milligrams of elemental iron each day - and they specifically state "Do not combine calcium with iron containing supplementsⁱ."

The reason for this is that when taken together, calcium can decrease your absorption of iron by up to 62%ⁱⁱ.  Gastric bypass patients are already at high risk for iron deficiency because the bypassed area of the intestine is where most iron is absorbed, so further impairing iron absorption by combining iron and calcium does not make sense.  This also includes calcium from food such as milk, cheese or yogurt.

What should you do?
First, you should talk to your doctor or dietitian about what levels of calcium and iron you should be taking.  These vary somewhat from program to program, and you may also have individual needs that are different form other people.  Second, try to adjust how you take your vitamins.  Find a time you can take your iron that is separate from your calcium supplements, and separate from meals that have dairy foods.

I am a band patient - what about me?
The ASMBS does not advise any additional iron for band patients and suggest that the levels in a multivitamin should be adequate.  This is because the digestive system is not altered in band patients as it is in bypass patients, and iron absorption stays the same.  If you have a band and are concerned about iron absorption, especially if you have struggled with anemia, you should talk to your doctor or dietitian about your individual needs.


Hugz,
Gina L