Ensure Calcium and Vitamin D Intake Afetr a Gastrectomy
Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a decrease in bone density and quality, and osteomalacia is a condition that causes bones to become soft and deformed. Both conditions lead to an increased risk of fractures, bone pain and muscle weakness. A gastrectomy can favour the long-term development of these diseases due to malabsorption and low intake of vitamin D and calcium. Once the diet is back to normal, and depending on the tolerance to different foods, the following should be taken into account:
WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?
To ensure a sufficient, varied and balanced diet, adapted to the new situation.
Review the section on ‘Dietary-culinary recommendations after a gastrectomy (partial or total)’.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee consumption, and moderate salt intake.
Small amounts of coffee can be consumed, always with lactose-free or plant-based milk enriched with calcium or vitamin D.
Ensure adequate daily intake of food sources rich in protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
They all play an important role in preventing the loss of muscle and bone mass.
Calcium sources.
Calcium can be found in both animal- and plant-based foods and must be incorporated in the way recommended for gastrectomy patients, and depending on tolerance and evolution (lactose-free milk, ground nuts or 100% nut butter, legumes mashed or crushed with a fork, oily fish, depending on tolerance and progression).
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* Fish with bones can be consumed only if the bones are crushed.
**Calcium-fortified foods, such as some breakfast cereals, biscuits or plant-based milks, are valid options as long as they do not contain a lot of sugar.
See more recipes, along with any side effects that may occur, by entering osteoporosis and gastrectomy in the search engine.
Sources of vitamin D.
The best sources are oily fish* (salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, etc.), dairy products (lactose-free milk and other dairy products, such as natural yoghurt or cheese, depending on tolerance), egg yolks, mushrooms and foods fortified** with this vitamin.
Examples of recipes rich in vitamin D that you can add or adapt depending on tolerance and progression:
See more recipes, along with any side effects that may occur, by entering osteoporosis and gastrectomy in the search engine.
*Be especially careful with the bones.
**Foods fortified with vitamin D, such as some breakfast cereals, biscuits or plant-based milks, are valid options as long as they do not contain a lot of sugar.
Regular physical activity.
It is recommended to engage in regular physical activity, as it is a key factor in preventing osteoporosis: walking 30 minutes a day with sun exposure for 10-15 minutes in summer and 20-30 minutes in winter, preferably in the morning and about three times a week, always with sun protection.