Improving protein and vitamin D status of obese patients participating in physical rehabilitation.

Purpose: Sarcopenia and vitamin D deficiency increase risk of disability outcomes associated with a million hip and knee replacements annually. The purpose of the present study was to identify protein and vitamin D inadequacy in arthroplasty patients, and observe the effect of supplementation on metabolic markers on protein and vitamin D status.

Methods: One hundred and eighty obese arthroplasty patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation, positive for protein and vitamin D insufficiency, received supplemental protein and vitamin D.

Results And Conclusion: Following supplementation, normalization of protein and vitamin D status was achieved. Nutrient supplementation during physical rehabilitation provided an efficient and effective means to reverse nutrient deficiency in an obese, orthopedic population.

Clinical Relevance: Inpatient physical rehabilitation is an opportune environment for nurses to provide education and intervention of nutrient supplementation, which may lessen consequences of sarcopenic obesity and related frailty disorders.