Vitamin D status, adiposity, and exercise performance

Abstract

Although little research has been conducted to assess vitamin D status in athletes, based on the literature reviewed for this column, it seems that athletes who are overweight or obese have lower vitamin D status than their lean counterparts. In addition, athletes, in general, especially those who train indoors, may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is likely a result of consumption of lower amounts of vitamin D and less exposure to the sun. Although vitamin D is related to skeletal muscle function and immunity (7,9), data have not strongly supported vitaminDsupplementation to improve athletic performance, especially not in athletes who have a sufficient vitamin D status.