Which nutritional deficiency is associated with gastrectomy?

Which nutritional deficiency is associated with gastrectomy?

• A. Iron deficiency
• B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
• C. Vitamin D deficiency
• D. Folate deficiency

Answer: (B)

The association between gastrectomy and vitamin B12 deficiency is well-documented due to the physiological changes that occur after the surgical procedure. Gastrectomy involves the removal of part or all of the stomach, which can significantly affect the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients. One of the critical functions of the stomach is the production of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. After a gastrectomy, the decreased production of intrinsic factor can lead to impaired absorption of vitamin B12 from food sources, resulting in a deficiency. This deficiency can have serious health implications, such as megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. While other deficiencies, like iron or folate deficiencies, can also occur after gastrectomy, they are not as directly linked to the anatomical and physiological changes that follow the procedure. Iron deficiency, for instance, can arise due to changes in dietary intake habits or malabsorption, but it is not specifically a direct result of intrinsic factor production. In summary, the correct answer identifies vitamin B12 deficiency as a significant risk following gastrectomy due to the critical role of intrinsic factor in its absorption, highlighting the need for monitoring and potential supplementation in patients who have undergone this

The association between gastrectomy and vitamin B12 deficiency is well-documented due to the physiological changes that occur after the surgical procedure. Gastrectomy involves the removal of part or all of the stomach, which can significantly affect the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients. One of the critical functions of the stomach is the production of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines.

After a gastrectomy, the decreased production of intrinsic factor can lead to impaired absorption of vitamin B12 from food sources, resulting in a deficiency. This deficiency can have serious health implications, such as megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues.

While other deficiencies, like iron or folate deficiencies, can also occur after gastrectomy, they are not as directly linked to the anatomical and physiological changes that follow the procedure. Iron deficiency, for instance, can arise due to changes in dietary intake habits or malabsorption, but it is not specifically a direct result of intrinsic factor production.

In summary, the correct answer identifies vitamin B12 deficiency as a significant risk following gastrectomy due to the critical role of intrinsic factor in its absorption, highlighting the need for monitoring and potential supplementation in patients who have undergone this