Do Professional Soccer Players have a Vitamin D Status Supporting Optimal Performance in Winter time?

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is well known for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. In addition 25 (OH) vitamin D3 (25OHD3) deficiency is correlated with muscle pain and weakness, hence there is increasing interest in optimal 25OHD3 levels for athletes. We investigated the prevalence of 25OHD3 deficiency and the ethnical variation in 25(OH)D concentrations among professional soccer players in the winter season.