Ana Cristina Tavares

Vitamin D Levels in an Obese Population, before and after Bariatric Surgery

Background: Obesity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate vitamin D status in obese patients, before and after bariatric surgery, and to examine the relationship of 25(OH)D3 levels with anthropometric measurements and body fat. Methods: Laboratory values of 25(OH)D3, anthropometric measurements, body fat and demographics were retrospectively collected from 239 obese patients, 179 of whom had undergone bariatric surgery. Blood levels of 25(OH)D3 were correlated with anthropometric measurements, body fat, and with weight loss in patients undergone bariatric surgery. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (3 and anthropometric measurements and body fat in both groups. Body mass index, gender and season were predictors of 25(OH)D3. Each body mass index increase of 1 kg/m2 was associated with a decrease of 0.5 ng/mL in 25(OH)D3. In addition, it was found a positive association between 25(OH)D3 and weight loss after bariatric surgery. Conclusion: The levels of vitamin D seem to be associated with obesity. This finding suggests the need for assessment of vitamin D status and oral vitamin D supplementation in this population.