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Title: Weight Loss Surgery Linked to Bone Loss, Deficiencies in Vitamin D and Calcium
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22D71A.htm
Doctor's Guide
September 24, 2008

CHEVY CHASE, Md -- September 24, 2008 -- Weight loss surgery may be linked to deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and bone loss, according to a new study appearing in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

"Our research shows that deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D absorption occur following gastric bypass surgery," said coauthor Shonni J. Silverberg, MD, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York. "When analysing hip bone density, we found that those who lost the most weight also lost the most bone."

For the study, researchers evaluated 23 morbidly obese men and women who underwent gastric bypass surgery. They measured serum calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The researchers also measured bone mineral density before and after surgery using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

One year after weight loss surgery, patients had lost an average of 99 pounds and had significant declines in hip bone mineral density.

"The calcium and vitamin D deficiencies may be due to the alterations in the gastrointestinal tract that take place during these procedures," said Dr. Silverberg. "These deficiencies may be restored if the amount of calcium and vitamin D supplementation is increased appropriately."

The findings from this study highlight the importance of assessing calcium sufficiency and skeletal health in the increasing numbers of individuals undergoing these procedures, said Dr. Silverberg. She adds that further studies are needed to discover how these findings relate to bone quality and fracture risk.

SOURCE: The Endocrine Society

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