Can I deduct for bariatric vitamins?

[Mike9241]

You can deduct bariatric vitamins if they are specifically recommended by your doctor as treatment for your medical condition. If you take them to maintain your general health, they are not deductible. The IRS allows deductions for medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To qualify, the vitamins must be recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician

[LindaS5247 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can deduct bariatric vitamins if they are recommended by a physician to treat a specific medical condition (like post-bariatric surgery nutrient deficiency) rather than for your general health. You must itemize deductions to deduct these medical expenses. 

You should have a doctor's letter that details the medical necessity for the vitamins.  Keep this with your tax records.

Only unreimbursed, out-of-pocket medical expenses paid during the tax year are deductible, and you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. The final deduction for your medical espenses would be found on Line 4 of your Schedule A.

To enter your medical expenses in TurboTax you can:

1. Click on Search at the top right of your TurboTax screen
2. Type medical expenses in the search box
3. Click on the link that says Jump to medical expenses
4. Your screen will say Did you spend more than $XXX on Medical Expenses in 2025? Select Yes and Continue
5. Enter your medical expenses on the applicable TurboTax screens.
6. On the screen that says Tell Us About Any Other medical Expenses you can enter you Bariatric vitamins and the cost.
7. Answer any follow-up questions about your medical expenses

Also see:

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

Can I deduct medical expenses?

What Medical Expenses are Tax Deductible?

Please return to Community if you have any additional information or questions and we would be happy to help.