Seasonal variability of the vitamin D effect on physical fitness in adolescents

Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 8;11(1):182. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80511-x.

Abstract

Studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D and physical fitness in youth have provided inconsistent findings. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of receptors and vitamin D-modulated genes in young subjects has a seasonal profile. Therefore, we investigated the role of vitamin D on physical fitness across seasons in a total of 977 male adolescents. Anthropometrics, lifestyle, dietary habits, biochemical profiles and physical fitness were studied. Multiple linear regression models, including pairwise interaction terms involving total 25-OH-vitamin D, were fitted. The interacting effect of season and total 25-OH-vitamin D had a significant influence on physical fitness performance (spring and total 25-OH-vitamin D: ß 0.19, SE 0.07, p = 0.007; summer and total 25-OH-vitamin D: ß 0.10, SE 0.06, p = 0.11; autumn and total 25-OH-vitamin D: ß 0.18, SE 0.07, p = 0.01), whereas the main effect of total 25-OH-vitamin D alone was not significant (p = 0.30). Body fat percentage, recreational physical activity level, time spent per day gaming/TV-watching, smoking, and hemoglobin levels were also related to the physical fitness performance score. Future studies should further explore the role of seasonal-dependent effects of vitamin D on health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Seasons*
  • Vitamin D / metabolism*

Substances

  • Vitamin D