Vitamin D: recent advances and implications for athletes

Sports Med. 2015 Feb;45(2):213-29. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0266-7.

Abstract

Athletes may be predisposed to low vitamin D concentrations, with studies reporting a high prevalence of athletes with a vitamin D concentration below 50 nmol/L across a range of sports and geographical locations, particularly over the winter months. It is well documented that vitamin D is important for osseous health by enhancing calcium absorption at the small intestine; however, emerging research suggests that vitamin D may also benefit a plethora of extra-skeletal target tissues and systems. There is strong evidence that vitamin D is capable of regulating both innate and adaptive immune processes via binding of active vitamin D to its complementary receptor. Supplementation with vitamin D may also enhance skeletal muscle function through morphological adaptations and enhanced calcium availability during cross-bridge cycling; however, an exact mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Such findings have prompted research into the importance of maintaining vitamin D concentrations over wintertime and the possible physiological and immunological benefits of vitamin D supplementation in athletes. The following review critically evaluates existing literature and presents novel perspectives on how vitamin D may enhance athletic performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lung / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Vitamin D