Vitamin D and Bariatric Surgery

-

Peterson LA.  Early, personalized vitamin D needed after bariatric surgery. Medpage Today. 2016. Retrieved from http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Obesity/57281?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2016-04-12&eun=g411013d0r


This article discusses the problem with bariatric surgery patients and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency.  Post bariatric surgery has is known to cause several vitamin and nutrient deficiencies due to decreased absorption ability. Studies have shown that not every person reacts to the same amount of vitamin D the same.  In some research, it showed the importance of individualized supplementation instead of just semipersonalized due to side effects (hyperkalemia and hypercalciuria).  It is also important to keep in mind that vitamin D levels change with the season when sun exposure changes.  The author also highlights the importance of the different forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is “uncommon in the diet” and found in ITC supplements while D3 is the form made on the skin’s surface during sun exposure.  Research indicates D3 is more effective in D2 in improving vitamin D status and yet there is still a problem with physicians prescribing vitamin D2 instead.   
It was shocking to read that 98% of patients come in with malnutrition pre-surgery.  It sets up a major problem for after surgery when the body’s small intestine cannot absorb nutrients as well as before surgery.  A dietitian’s role is very important in situations such as these, where vitamin deficiencies are potential or present.  It is not uncommon for people to think that an obese individual has sufficient vitamin and minerals levels, but by testing vitamin D levels pre-surgery and intervening if needed, patient’s levels can be improved before surgery.  Dietitians can also educate other health care professionals about the best forms of vitamins to help the patient reach desirable levels.  By following an individualized approach, health care teams can find a supplementation regimen that will help get each patient’s nutrient levels to where they should be. 
-DG

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more