Vitamin D deficiency in obese patients and changes in circulating vitamin D metabolites following jejunoileal bypass

The serum levels of the three major vitamin D metabolites [25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25-(OH)2 D)] and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured in 14 morbid obese patients, who later on were subjected to jejunoileal bypass surgery. The preoperative median values of 25-OHD and 24,25-(OH)2D were reduced compared with controls (P less than 0.001), whereas elevated concentrations were found of 1,25-(OH)2D (P less than 0.005). Median levels of iPTH in the obese group were significantly higher than those found in normal subjects (P less than 0.001). A decrease was observed in serum concentrations of all three vitamin D metabolites following jejunoileal bypass (P less than 0.005). An increase in the serum levels of iPTH and alkaline phosphatase was seen postoperatively (P less than 0.002), probably indicating a secondary hyperparathyroidism. The results show that the vitamin D metabolism is slightly abnormal in severely obese patients. Jejunoileal bypass is followed by severe disturbances of vitamin D metabolism.