Plasma zinc levels drop as absorption of the mineral decreases after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery, according to findings published in the October Issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. "RYGBP decreases intestinal capacity to absorb zinc and increased amounts of this element should be used," Dr. Manuel Ruz from the University of Chile in Santiago told Reuters Health in an email. "We are not sure what the right amount is at this moment, but certainly it should be somewhere around 25-30 mg/d on a regular basis." Dr. Ruz and colleagues assessed zinc status and zinc absorption before and 6, 12 and 18 months after RYGBP in 67 women. The women were randomly assigned to two groups: group A received a standard vitamin and mineral supplement (with 7.5 mg/d elemental zinc), and group B received a specially designed vitamin and mineral supplement that provided at least the recommended daily al...