Vitamin D in exercise: physiologic and analytical concerns

Clin Chim Acta. 2013 Jan 16:415:45-53. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.09.004. Epub 2012 Sep 10.

Abstract

Despite a wide number of studies performed on the general population, little is known about the Vitamin D status of athletes. A particular influence of many factors, including skin pigmentation, early- or late-day training, indoor training, geographic location and extensive sunscreen use, has been observed in this specific population. The need of supplementation with Vitamin D in athletes is not defined or, when supplementation is needed, even the optimal amount of Vitamin D to be used is not specified. The periodic measurement of Vitamin D is the only procedure capable to define athletes' status. Although various methods for the measurement of Vitamin D are routinely used, they often give discordant and poorly reproducible results; thus, it is necessary to standardize the various methods, in order to have comparable results. In conclusion, current available data indicate both that little is known about the Vitamin D status of athletes and that is still unclear if supplementation could be desirable. Finally, it must be pointed out that all the papers about Vitamin D status should indicate in detail the method used for really allowing a correct interpretation of data.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Athletes*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Endurance / drug effects*
  • Physical Endurance / radiation effects
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects
  • Skin Pigmentation / radiation effects
  • Sunscreening Agents / pharmacology
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / physiopathology

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Vitamin D