Vitamin D: recent advances and implications for athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Athletes exhibit a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, particularly during winter.
• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health via calcium absorption.
• Emerging evidence highlights vitamin D's role in extra-skeletal systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on vitamin D concentrations in athletes.
• To explore the physiological and immunological benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
• To present novel perspectives on vitamin D's impact on athletic performance.

Main Methods:

• Critical evaluation of existing scientific literature.
• Analysis of studies reporting vitamin D concentrations in athletes.
• Review of research on vitamin D's effects on immune and muscle function.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D plays a role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity.
• Supplementation may enhance skeletal muscle function through morphological changes and improved calcium availability.
• The exact mechanisms for muscle function enhancement require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important for athletes, especially during winter.
• Vitamin D supplementation holds potential for enhancing athletic performance.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of vitamin D's benefits in athletes.