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Physical performance is not improved with vitamin D repletion: a randomized trial
Shane D Scholten1, Derek D Ferley2, Chad B Birger3
1Exercise and Sport Sciences, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, USA - shane.scholten@augie.edu.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|October 1, 2019
Summary
Vitamin D repletion to optimal levels (100-120 nmol/L) did not enhance anaerobic physical performance in active adults. This study highlights that achieving sufficient vitamin D status may not directly translate to improved athletic output.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Science
Background:
- Physically active individuals often receive varied vitamin D doses, leading to inconsistent blood levels.
- Optimal vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D) for peak performance is suggested between 100-120 nmol/L.
- Current supplementation often uses fixed doses, failing to account for individual weight and baseline vitamin D status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of vitamin D repletion on anaerobic performance markers in physically active adults.
- To investigate if achieving target serum 25(OH)D levels (100-120 nmol/L) improves anaerobic capacity.
- To enroll vitamin D insufficient/deficient participants to observe supplementation effects.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 42 physically active adults (18-42 years) during winter.
- Individualized vitamin D dosing (IU) calculated using the formula: 40•[Target 25(OH)D3 - Initial 25(OH)D3]•Body Weight (kg) to reach 120 nmol/L.
- Assessed anaerobic performance via modified Wingate test, sprints, vertical jump, grip strength, pushups, and isokinetic testing before and after supplementation.
Main Results:
- Twenty-seven participants in the vitamin D group achieved significantly increased 25(OH)D levels from 61 to 123 nmol/L (P<0.001).
- The placebo group experienced a decrease in 25(OH)D from 98 to 83 nmol/L (P=0.02).
- No significant improvements in any measured anaerobic performance markers were observed despite successful vitamin D repletion.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D repletion to levels considered optimal for physical performance did not enhance anaerobic physical performance in this cohort.
- Achieving serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 100-120 nmol/L does not appear to be a limiting factor for anaerobic performance in physically active adults.
- Further research may be needed to explore the relationship between vitamin D status and different types of physical performance.
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