A review and clinical summary of vitamin D in regard to bone health and athletic performance

Abstract

The large amount of scientific literature regarding vitamin D can be overwhelming and confusing. Some organizations have made specific guidelines and recommendations regarding optimal blood levels of vitamin D. In the sports medicine literature, new information about the effects of vitamin D on performance and bone health abound. Most of these articles seem to raise more questions than they answer. Are athletes at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency? Does vitamin D deficiency affect athletic performance? Should athletes be tested for deficiency? What is the optimal goal for vitamin D levels in athletes and is this different from the general population? The goal of this article is to provide clinical insight and clarity, both for those practicing in the primary care setting as well as for those taking care of athletes.

Mechanisms of vitamin D action in skeletal muscle

“…Vitamin D status is also a regulator of intestinal Ca absorption and, in turn, bone mineralisation (125) . In this context, several reviews have concluded that there is a positive outcome for supplementation of Ca plus vitamin D for fracture risk reduction, osteoporosis and/or falls (6,(126)(127)(128) . In contrast, recent metaanalyses have not been consistent with these outcomes, though many variables need to be considered when comparing studies, for example, the parameters analysed, age of the population, if participants live in residential institutions, dose and cut points of vitamin D, ethnicity, period of the intervention, instruments to assess Ca and vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure, and many others (129) .…”

<p>The Effect of Perioperative Vitamin D Levels on the Functional, Patient-Related Outcome Measures and the Risk of Infection Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review</p>

“… 1 The incidence of hypovitaminosis D is rising globally, affecting approximately one billion people. 2 Staying indoors for prolonged periods, wearing clothes that cover the skin, and using sunscreen are some of the primary causes of this increasing epidemic, the repercussions of which remain obscure. 2 …”

Assessment of Biochemical and Densitometric Markers of Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism in the Groups of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Selected due to the Serum Level of Vitamin D3

“…Vitamin D 3 also facilitates bone mineralization and its deficiency contributes to the disturbance in remodeling processes with a simultaneous delay in bone growth [ 16 ]. Inadequate dietary intake of calcium contributes to increased bone turnover due to vitD 3 and PTH [ 17 ].…”