2 Jan 2026 • Zinc deficiency emerged as a clinically relevant issue in the first year after bariatric surgery, a new meta-analysis showed.

Pooled data from 12 studies including 2,529 patients demonstrated a consistent postoperative decline in serum zinc levels. At 3 months, changes were minimal (SMD −0.12), but significant reductions were evident by 6 months and 1 year (SMD −0.36 and −0.35, respectively). Zinc depletion was most pronounced after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass, whereas sleeve gastrectomy was not associated with meaningful changes. By 2 years, zinc levels appeared to stabilize across procedures.

The findings highlight the need for routine zinc monitoring and procedure-specific supplementation during the first postoperative year to prevent deficiency-related complications.

Source: Taylor & Francis | Read full story