Vitamin D status and supplementation in morbid obesity before and after bariatric surgery

Interest in vitamin D has increased recently because of its role on multiple biologic mechanisms and the high prevalence of deficits, particularly in obese individuals. The epidemic of morbid obesity has led to a growing number of bariatric surgical procedures, the only therapeutic modality with a reasonable chance of success on a long-term basis. Vitamin D status following bariatric surgery depends on several interacting factors and should be monitored carefully. We review vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone dynamics following the main types of bariatric surgery and the guidelines for the postoperative periodic assessment and therapy.