In this study, conducted among young athletes and dancers from various disciplines in a sunny country, a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was identified. A higher rate of vitamin D insufficiency was found among participants who practice indoors, during the winter months, and in the presence of iron depletion. Given the importance of vitamin D to athletes for several reasons, we suggest that athletes and dancers be screened for vitamin D insufficiency and treated as needed.

Understanding the complicated relationship between exercise, appetite, and food choices may help us to optimize exercise interventions for this unique population, and to select the best exercise protocols to achieve a desired energy balance. Food intake and preferences in response to acute exercise are different in normal weight and obese children.