Vitamin D2 supplementation amplifies eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage in NASCAR pit crew athletes

Nutrients. 2013 Dec 20;6(1):63-75. doi: 10.3390/nu6010063.

Abstract

This study determined if 6-weeks vitamin D2 supplementation (vitD2, 3800 IU/day) had an influence on muscle function, eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) NASCAR pit crew athletes. Subjects were randomized to vitD2 (n=13) and placebo (n=15), and ingested supplements (double-blind) for six weeks. Blood samples were collected and muscle function tests conducted pre- and post-study (leg-back and hand grip dynamometer strength tests, body weight bench press to exhaustion, vertical jump, 30-s Wingate test). Post-study, subjects engaged in 90 min eccentric-based exercise, with blood samples and DOMS ratings obtained immediately after and 1- and 2-days post-exercise. Six weeks vitD2 increased serum 25(OH)D2 456% and decreased 25(OH)D3 21% versus placebo (p<0.001, p=0.036, respectively), with no influence on muscle function test scores. The post-study eccentric exercise bout induced EIMD and DOMS, with higher muscle damage biomarkers measured in vitD2 compared to placebo (myoglobin 252%, 122% increase, respectively, p=0.001; creatine phosphokinase 24 h post-exercise, 169%, 32%, p<0.001), with no differences for DOMS. In summary, 6-weeks vitD2 (3800 IU/day) significantly increased 25(OH)D2 and decreased 25(OH)D3, had no effect on muscle function tests, and amplified muscle damage markers in NASCAR pit crew athletes following eccentric exercise.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agaricales / chemistry
  • Athletes*
  • Automobile Driving
  • Creatine Kinase / blood
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Ergocalciferols / administration & dosage*
  • Ergocalciferols / blood
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lactate Dehydrogenases / blood
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Myalgia / physiopathology
  • Myoglobin / blood
  • Sports

Substances

  • Ergocalciferols
  • Myoglobin
  • Lactate Dehydrogenases
  • Creatine Kinase