Background: Essential nutrients are considered for the prevention of the bone loss that
occurs after bariatric surgery. Aim: Evaluate nutrients involved in bone metabolism, and relate to serum
concentrations of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone, and the use of
supplements and sun exposure on the bone mass of patients who had undergone
gastric bypass surgery. Methods: An observational study, with patients who had undergone the surgery 12 or more
months previously, operated group (OG), compared to a control group (CG). Results: Were included 56 in OG and 27 in the CG. The mean age was 36.4±8.5 years. The
individuals in the OG, compared to CG, consumed inadequate amounts of protein and
daily calcium. The OG had a higher prevalence of low sun exposure, lower levels of
25OH Vitamin D (21.3±10.9 vs. 32.1±11.8 ng/dl), and increased serum levels of
parathyroid hormone (68.1±32.9 vs. 39.9±11.9 pg/ml, p<0.001). Secondary
hyperparathyroidism was present only in the OG (41.7%). The mean lumbar spine bone
mineral density was lower in the OG. Four individuals from the OG had low bone
mineral density for chronological age, and no one from the CG. Conclusion: The dietary components that affect bone mass in patients undergoing bariatric
surgery were inadequate. The supplementation was insufficient and the sun exposure
was low. These changes were accompanied by secondary hyperparathyroidism and a
high prevalence of low bone mass in lumbar spine in these subjects.