A single mega dose of vitamin D₃ improves selected physical variables in vitamin D-deficient young amateur soccer players: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial aimed to test whether vitamin D (VD) supplementation affects measures of physical performance in VD-deficient, mildly trained children. Thirty-six recreationally soccer player boys were randomly assigned to single dose (200 000 IU) of VD3 (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17). Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was assessed and measures of physical performance (i.e., vertical and standing broad jumps, triple hop, 10-m and 30-m sprints, shuttle run) were performed before and 12 weeks after the loading dose. Mixed ANCOVA models were performed and effect size was estimated by partial eta squared (ηp2). Baseline 25-OHD and physical variables were equivalent in the 2 groups. Twelve weeks after VD loading, plasma 25-OHD increased and physical variables improved only in the VD group. There was a significant interaction effects for group by time for vertical jump (F = 14.9, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.394), triple hop jump (F = 24.2, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.513), 10-m (F = 4.46, p = 0.046, ηp2 = 0.162) and 30-m (F = 6.56, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.222) sprints, and shuttle run (F = 13.4, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.369). In conclusion, a single bolus of VD3 resulted in significant improvements in jumping ability, agility, and running speed in mildly trained children that are deficient in VD. The findings suggest that correcting VD deficit might be beneficial for physical performance. Novelty A mega dose of VD3 improves jumping ability, agility, and running speed in VD-deficient, mildly trained children. Effect of VD on measures of physical performance is noticeable 3 months after the loading dose.

Low serum vitamin D concentration is correlated with anemia, microinflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with peritoneal dialysis

“…Although vitamin D has been used in the treatment of PD patients, vitamin D toxicity is a potential risk [ 32 , 33 ]. Several studies have investigated the influence of vitamin D3 supplementation on serum 25(OH)D concentration and indicated the safe dose of vitamin D3 ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day [ 34 – 36 ]. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations can be increased to 30–40 ng/mL by vitamin D3 supplementation, and changes in the corresponding symptoms in patients before and after vitamin D3 supplementation should be observed and analyzed.…”

Associations of Vitamin D Levels with Physical Fitness and Motor Performance; A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players from Southern Croatia

“…Specifically, supplementing a high dose (5000–6000 IU per day) of vitamin D for 6–8 weeks among athletes and soccer players led to improved 5 and 10 m sprints, and vertical jumps, but also in aerobic capacity [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Additionally, young soccer players displayed improvements in vertical jumps, triple-hop jump, 10 and 30 m sprints, and shuttle run test after a one-time mega dose (200,000 IU) of vitamin D [ 23 ].…”

“…A more recent study by Bezrati et al (2020) recorded significant improvements in sprinting, change in direction, and running speed tests after vitamin D supplementation in youth soccer players aged 8-15 years who were vitamin deficit at the beginning of the research [23]. also noted a weak association of 25(OH)D level with running speed and muscle strength among soccer players aged 13-18 years [24].…”

“…Low vitamin D levels were associated with low muscle strength level, changes in direction, jumps, and sprints in 7- to 15-year-old children involved in soccer training [ 22 ]. A more recent study by Bezrati et al (2020) recorded significant improvements in sprinting, change in direction, and running speed tests after vitamin D supplementation in youth soccer players aged 8–15 years who were vitamin deficit at the beginning of the research [ 23 ]. Bezuglov et al (2019) also noted a weak association of 25(OH)D level with running speed and muscle strength among soccer players aged 13–18 years [ 24 ].…”

Vitamin D in athletes: focus on physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries

“…Generally, 2000–6000 IU of daily vitamin D is recommended for athletes [ 39 , 60 - 62 ]. Recent studies have suggested that athletes may require supplementation of more than 10,000 IU of vitamin D in certain cases [ 11 , 63 ]; however, further studies are required to assess the effects of mega-dose vitamin D in athletes.…”