Traditional Chinese Medicine Blood Formulas for Nutritional Deficiencies after Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review and Mechanistic Perspective

Metabolic and bariatric surgery induces severe anatomical and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to refractory micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). This study evaluates the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) blood-tonifying formulas and acupuncture in modulating the leptin-hepcidin-ferroportin axis and improving hematological markers in post-bariatric patients.