What Is Baricol — And Are There Alternatives?

Introduction to Post-Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a highly effective tool for weight loss and improving long-term health. However, it also requires a lifelong commitment to daily supplementation. After surgery, the body absorbs fewer nutrients, which increases the risk of deficiencies. To prevent complications, patients are advised to take vitamin and mineral supplements for life. If you do not take your supplements, you risk anaemia and poor immune system function. 

Baricol was one of several specialist brands developed to meet the unique needs of bariatric patients. While Baricol products were once widely available across Europe, including the UK, they are now part of FitForMe following a merger in 2024. Baricol was founded in 2015 in Gothenburg, Sweden. FitForMe is a leading nutritional supplement brand founded in 2005 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Baricol has developed a digital application called BariBuddy. Both Baricol and FitForMe remain active in supporting patient health and ensuring adherence to daily supplementation routines, emphasizing their proactive approach to addressing deficiencies post-surgery.

Patients in the UK now have alternative options to consider, including Bari Enhance — a UK-based, once-daily capsule formulated specifically for post-bariatric needs.

Understanding the Risks of Nutrient Deficiencies

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common post-surgery and must be prevented with ongoing supplementation. Following gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, nutrient absorption is significantly reduced. More than 75% of all patients develop one or more deficiencies in one year after a Sleeve Gastrectomy. Without supplements, patients may develop:

• Iron deficiency anaemia

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Low calcium and vitamin D levels

• Fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness

• Long-term complications such as osteoporosis or nerve damage

Including copper in routine blood tests is important to inform necessary dietary adjustments or supplementation.

To reduce these risks, daily supplementation is essential, regardless of dietary intake. Even patients who previously used Baricol or similar products should continue with an appropriate multivitamin aligned to clinical guidance.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common post-surgery and must be prevented with ongoing supplementation.

The Role of Supplements in Post-Bariatric Surgery

Multivitamin and mineral supplements play a vital role in preventing deficiencies after bariatric surgery. These supplements are designed to meet elevated nutritional needs and must be taken consistently. Specialist products like Baricol Complete were created for this purpose. Baricol Complete is a customized bariatric supplement that contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Specialist products like Baricol Complete were created for this purpose. Baricol offered a range of formats — including chewable tablets and powders — tailored to bariatric patients. Baricol products are available in four different forms: tablets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, and powder in sachets. Baricol also offers a protein bar as part of its product range. The powder form of Baricol Complete provides users with their full daily dose in just two sachets. Following its merger with FitForMe, Baricol products may now be available under a different label or region-specific stockist. Fast delivery and customer satisfaction are key aspects of their service, ensuring that patients receive their supplements promptly and reliably.

If you previously used Baricol, or were advised to take a specialist product after surgery, it’s important to ensure your new supplement meets the same requirements.

Baricol and FitForMe: What Changed?

In 2024, Baricol officially merged with FitForMe. This change means that Baricol products are no longer available through their former UK service website.

FitForMe continues to serve bariatric patients across Europe, offering personalised supplement plans based on surgery type. Baricol provides personalized supplements for bariatric patients in Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. However, patients looking for a UK-based option may find it difficult to access Baricol products locally. The merger between Baricol and FitForMe aims to deliver innovative solutions by expanding their reach and enhancing the development of scientifically backed supplements and digital applications that aid patients in maintaining healthy routines post-surgery. FitForMe operates in more than 29 countries.

The collaboration in the Scandinavian region is particularly important, showcasing Baricol as a leading brand there. If you’re searching for Baricol in the UK, it may be time to consider alternative multivitamins that meet the same clinical standards — but are available for direct purchase within the UK.

A UK-Based Alternative: Bari Enhance

Bari Enhance is a one-a-day multivitamin capsule designed for bariatric patients in the UK. It contains 21 nutrients, including:

• 36mg Iron (Bisglycinate) – gentle and highly absorbable

• 500μg Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

• 3000 IU Vitamin D3

• 200%+ NRV of 14 key nutrients

• No calcium (to avoid iron absorption interference)

Proper food intake is crucial for nutritional recovery post-surgery, and Bari Enhance supports this by providing essential nutrients that may be lacking due to reduced food consumption and malabsorption.

For patients who previously relied on Baricol, Bari Enhance offers a streamlined UK-made solution. It is manufactured to GMP standards and ships directly from the UK — no prescription required.

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for bariatric patients to maintain healthy routines post-surgery. After bariatric surgery, the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and folate, is significantly reduced. This increases the risk of developing deficiencies, making daily supplementation with products like Baricol and FitForMe supplements essential. These supplements provide a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals tailored to the needs of bariatric patients.

In addition to daily supplementation, maintaining a well-balanced diet is vital. This includes incorporating adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support overall health and well-being. Protein is particularly important for muscle repair and maintenance, while healthy fats and complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy.

Hydration is another key component of post-surgery care. Patients should aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support the digestive process. Proper hydration helps in the absorption of nutrients and prevents complications such as kidney stones and constipation. By focusing on nutrition and hydration, bariatric patients can develop healthy routines that support their recovery and long-term health.

Common Challenges

Bariatric patients often face common challenges in maintaining healthy routines post-surgery, including adhering to daily supplementation and eating a balanced diet. One of the leading challenges is the long-term commitment to taking supplements consistently. Creating a routine and setting reminders can help address this issue, ensuring that patients do not miss their daily doses.

Another significant challenge is the risk of developing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Regular blood tests are crucial for monitoring nutrient levels and adjusting supplementation as needed. This proactive approach helps in identifying and addressing deficiencies early, preventing long-term complications.

Patients may also experience changes in their skin, hair, and nails due to nutritional deficiencies. These changes can be distressing, but they can be managed by taking the right supplements and maintaining a healthy diet. FitForMe and Baricol products are designed to support bariatric patients in overcoming these challenges, providing the necessary nutrients to promote overall health and well-being.

Creating a Routine

Creating a routine is essential for bariatric patients to maintain healthy routines post-surgery. Establishing a consistent schedule for taking supplements can significantly reduce the risk of deficiencies. Patients should aim to take their supplements at the same time every day, such as with meals or at bedtime. This consistency helps in forming a habit, making it easier to remember daily supplementation.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Patients should drink plenty of water throughout the day to support their digestive process and overall health. A dietitian can provide personalized advice and guidance on creating a routine and developing a healthy meal plan tailored to individual needs.

Using tools such as a pill box or a mobile app can also be beneficial. These tools serve as reminders to take supplements and stay on track with hydration and nutrition goals. By creating and sticking to a routine, bariatric patients can maintain their health and well-being post-surgery. FitForMe and Baricol supplements offer a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals, making them a suitable solution for supporting healthy routines post-surgery.

Monitoring Progress with Blood Tests

BOMSS guidance outlines standard blood test schedules and supplement recommendations. Annual blood tests are essential after bariatric surgery to track nutrient levels and adjust your supplement regimen if needed. Patients should monitor: You will be responsible for booking your Vitamin B12 injection appointments with your GP every 3 months. You need a blood test every year to check vitamin and mineral levels after surgery.

• Iron

• Vitamin B12

• Folate

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

• Calcium (separately, if needed)

Whether you were previously using Baricol, FitForMe, or another multivitamin, it's important to match your supplement to your most recent lab results and clinical guidance. Both Baricol and FitForMe customers can still contact dietitians through customer service.

BOMSS guidance outlines standard blood test schedules and supplement recommendations.

Key Nutrients to Prioritise

Specialist bariatric vitamins — including those once offered by Baricol — typically include:

• Vitamin A, D, E, K (fat-soluble vitamins)

• High-dose B-complex

• Iron and Vitamin C

• Zinc and Selenium

• Methylated forms of B12 and Folate

The collaboration between FitForMe and Baricol Bariatrics leverages extensive research and valuable insights, highlighting the importance of knowledge in addressing supplementation and patient care challenges following bariatric surgery.

Bari Enhance provides all of these in a once-daily capsule, designed to reduce pill burden while maintaining nutritional adequacy post-surgery.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

Calcium and Vitamin D remain essential for post-op bone health, but these should be taken separately from iron to avoid absorption interference. This is why Bari Enhance excludes calcium, allowing patients to time their supplements correctly. Calcium intake and absorption are decreased after bariatric surgery, so choosing the right form of supplementation will lead to optimal calcium absorption.

Patients should follow clinical advice on calcium citrate dosing and combine it with Vitamin D3, especially during autumn and winter.

Where to Buy Bari Enhance

Baricol is no longer widely available in the UK. For patients looking for an accessible UK alternative, Bari Enhance offers a clinically aligned option. It is:

• Formulated for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

• Made in the UK

• Delivered directly, no prescription required

• Available as a single bottle or via Subscribe & Save

It is important to consult with your bariatric team regarding the appropriate supplements and where to shop for chewable multivitamin and mineral tablets.

The hospital provides you with 28 days worth of supplements to take home after your surgery.

👉 Buy Bari Enhance online at www.barienhance.com

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Summary

If you’ve been searching for Baricol in the UK, you’re not alone. Following its merger with FitForMe, many patients are looking for new supplement options that are easily accessible, clinically aligned, and simple to take. You should only buy supplements recommended by your bariatric team.

Bari Enhance offers a one-capsule solution designed for UK bariatric patients. It provides all essential nutrients, in the right forms and doses, to support recovery and long-term health after surgery.

For patients transitioning from Baricol, Bari Enhance is a practical UK-based alternative built around simplicity and compliance.