Everything You Need to Know About Biotin After Bariatric Surgery

A multivitamin and mineral supplement is necessary after bariatric surgery, and most surgeons recommend taking a bariatric supplement for life. But when it comes to individual vitamins and minerals, biotin is one that comes up often as a problem. 

Bariatric surgery patients can be at risk for deficiency and the consequences of it. That’s not necessary, because it can be easy to get it from a supplement, such as capsules or patches from the BariatricPal Store. Here is everything you need to know about biotin after bariatric surgery. Just be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement.

Roles of Biotin

Biotin is one of the B vitamins. You may think of it as a vitamin involved in health skin, nails, and hair, but it has other functions in the body, such as the following.

• It is involved in gene regulation to make sure your body can produce new, healthy cells and tissues.
• It is necessary for normal energy production and metabolism, so your body can generate and use energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in your diet.
• It is needed for normal fetal development, so it is super critical in women who are pregnant and who may become pregnant.

Even though we don’t always hear much about biotin, it is super important, and worth asking your healthcare provider about to avoid deficiency symptoms.

Biotin Deficiency Among Bariatric Surgery Patients

Biotin deficiency is common among bariatric surgery patients, and many surgeons recommend a supplement. Ask your healthcare provider about one if you think you may be at risk for deficiency.

Signs of biotin deficiency can include the following. 

• Thin hair or loss of hair.
• Skin rashes, especially on the face.
• Brittle or thin nails.
• Increased infections.
• Reduced energy.

Options for Getting More Biotin

Many foods have biotin. They include eggs, meat, vegetables, and beans, but you may still be at risk for deficiency if you are not taking a biotin supplement and you are a bariatric surgery patient.

BariatricPal has a variety of supplements with biotin. These are some examples.

• Biotin Plus Patch for Hair, Skin, and Nails by PatchAid. This topical patch delivers nutrients transdermally, and also includes antioxidants selenium and vitamins A, C, and E, as well as folic acid and vitamin K.
• BariatricPal Biotin Plus Capsules. These vegetarian, gluten-free tablets also have vitamin C and calcium.
• BariMelts Biotin. These dissolvable tablets are sugar-free and have a delicious strawberry flavor. Sweeteners include stevia and monk fruit.

Biotin is a common vitamin, but it is commonly low among bariatric surgery patients. Ask your healthcare provider if you are at risk, and know your options for getting more of this critical nutrient. The BariatricPal Store has many choices to match your preferences.

*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. BariatricPal products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone with a medical condition should seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Individual results may vary.