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Vitamin D and the athlete: risks, recommendations, and benefits
1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Health Science, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA. danastorlie@yahoo.com
Nutrients
|June 14, 2013
Summary
Vitamin D is crucial for more than bone health, impacting muscle function and athletic performance. Athletes may be at risk for deficiency, affecting their performance and injury susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D is recognized for calcium regulation and bone health.
- Emerging research highlights vitamin D's role in gene signaling, protein and hormone synthesis, immune response, and cell regeneration.
- The presence of vitamin D receptors in muscle tissue indicates its importance in muscle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of vitamin D in the body.
- To examine the impact of vitamin D deficiency on athletic performance and injury.
- To discuss recommended vitamin D levels, intake guidelines, and risk factors for insufficiency in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on vitamin D's physiological roles.
- Analysis of existing research on vitamin D status and athletic performance.
- Examination of preliminary findings on vitamin D's effects on athletes.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, potentially affecting a large percentage of athletes.
- Research suggests links between vitamin D and muscle weakness, pain, balance issues, and fractures in aging populations.
- Limited studies specifically address vitamin D status in relation to athletic performance.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D plays a vital role beyond bone health, influencing muscle function and potentially athletic outcomes.
- Athletes may face a significant risk of vitamin D insufficiency, warranting further investigation.
- More research is needed to fully understand and quantify the impact of vitamin D on athletic performance and injury prevention.
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