Vitamin D deficiency before bariatric surgery: should supplement intake be routinely prescribed?

Obes Surg. 2011 May;21(5):556-60. doi: 10.1007/s11695-010-0352-3.

Abstract

Background: Before bariatric surgery, we demonstrate a 96% rate of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese French patients: should supplement intake be routinely prescribed? We conducted a prospective observational study to demonstrate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery.

Methods: Clinical and biological data were collected on 50 successive patients.

Results: Data showed vitamin D deficiency in 96% (25-OH vitamin D = 31 ± 13 nmol/l), with a cut-point of 50 nmol/l. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was found in 44% of patients with hypovitaminosis D (parathyroid hormone (PTH), 59 ± 24 pg/ml). Impaired PTH level concerned 89% of this group, considering the cut-point at 30 pg/ml. No significant correlation appeared between vitamin D and calcium or phosphate levels.

Conclusions: Before surgery, we demonstrated a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in morbidly obese French patients as compared to the general population. The incidence was also higher than previous American studies. Screening for hypovitaminosis D may routinely be considered in morbid obesity. Long-term observation is, however, needed to assess the advantages and potential side effects of systematic vitamin D supplements.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Comorbidity
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / epidemiology*
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Preoperative Care
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone