Seasonal variation in vitamin D status in professional soccer players of the English Premier League

Abstract

The prevalence of seasonal variation in vitamin D status was examined in 20 FA Premier League soccer players residing at a latitude of 53°N. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels decreased (P < 0.001) between August (104.4 ± 21.1 nmol·L–1, range 68–151) and December (51.0 ± 19.0 nmol·L–1, range 22–86), such that levels for 65% of the sample were insufficient (<50 nmol·L–1) in winter. Strategies to augment vitamin D3 availability may therefore be advantageous for UK soccer players so as to maintain muscle function.