Warning for People who have had Bariatric Surgery

The very high incidence of vitamin D deficiency noted in participants of this study indicates that an urgent effort to educate patients about this critical health issue must be undertaken. And more effective methods of supplying vitamin D in this population must be found in the very near future.

This may have implications for anyone with pancreatic dis-orders or for those who have had other types of bariatric surgery.

72.3% of patients had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels less than or equal to 30 ng/mL (insufficient), and 46.8% of patients had 25(OH)D levels less than or equal to 20 ng/mL.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Biliopancreatic Diversion Patients

Reference:"Prevalence and Persistence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Biliopancreatic Diversion Patients: A Retrospective Study," Khandalavala BN, Fang X, et al, Obes Surg, 2010 May 7; [Epub ahead of print]. Department of Family Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.

Summary: In a retrospective study involving 219 patients who underwent biliopancreatic diversion (a form of bariatric surgery), results showed a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. 72.3% of patients had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels less than or equal to 30 ng/mL (insufficient), and 46.8% of patients had 25(OH)D levels less than or equal to 20 ng/mL. Thus, the authors conclude, "This study gives evidence that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is prevalent in BPD patients. Despite excess weight loss and oral vitamin D supplementation, the data shows that vitamin D levels continue to decrease over time in BPD patients. Since the current method of vitamin D supplementation is not producing ideal results, other protocol needs to be developed."