Manufacturers

Calcium Citrate Lozenges from Bariatric Advantage

Recommended After Weight Loss Surgery

Calcium Citrate Lozenges from Bariatric Advantage were designed to meet the calcium replacement needs of patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Our Calcium Citrate is a lozenge that can be chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth. This allows patients to get the calcium they need without swallowing large or multiple pills, which can be challenging after weight loss surgery. Calcium citrate, the form most recommended after weight loss surgery is the sole calcium source in the product. The lozenges also provides Vitamin D, Vitamin K and a small amount of magnesium, all for the support of bone health. Lozenges are designed to be easy on the digestive system, to support maximum absorption and to foster compliance. For patients taking our iron, we suggest that they take calcium and iron at least two hours apart.

Some features and benefits of this product include:

100% Calcium Citrate. Each Calcium Citrate Lozenge contains 400 milligrams of elemental calcium from calcium citrate.
Calcium absorption is impaired after weight loss surgery. This is due to loss of stomach acid, bypassing of the duodenum, and decreased absorption of Vitamin D. Calcium citrate is highly soluble and is appropriate for individuals who lack adequate stomach acid.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Two of our calcium lozenges provide the adult Adequate Intake of Vitamin D or 200 IU. Vitamin D is critical for proper calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin D deficiency is now known to be common in obesity as well as after all forms of weight loss surgery.

Vitamin K (Phytonadione): Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that is important for bone health as it plays a role in three proteins that are vital to bone health. The best known of these proteins is Osteocalcin, which plays a critical role in bone remodeling. Several studies have indicated that low vitamin K can occur after weight loss surgery. Additionally, patients may not consume adequate dark green vegetables to assure good dietary intakes.

Minimal Use of Sweeteners: Many chewable calcium products rely on candy bases as delivery systems. Leading brands like Viactiv® provide 3 to 4 grams of sugars from corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup – or up to 8 grams of concentrated sweeteners in a daily dose. Our lozenges are sweetened with sucralose (Splenda®) and a minimal amount of low-glycemic, crystalline fructose (1 gram per tablet). Minimal sweetener use significantly minimizes the risk of dumping syndrome in patients taking our lozenges. Moreover, post-operative weight loss surgery patients are often on severely carbohydrate restricted diets, and really count those grams each day. Our formula meets the needs of these patients without compromising taste and quality.