Influence of 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Insufficiency on Maximal Aerobic Power in Elite Indoor Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The impact of vitamin D on musculoskeletal health is well-established, although its influence on physical performance is unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the impact of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) concentrations with maximal aerobic power of professional indoor athletes. Results A total of 112 male professional athletes were included in this cross-sectional study, consisting of 88 handball and 24 ice hockey players. The maximal aerobic power was assessed with a standardized cycling ergometer test. Athletes were assigned to two groups according to their 25-OH vitamin D status: insufficient (< 30 ng/mL) and sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL). Thirty-four players (30.4%) displayed insufficient (21.9 ± 5.9 ng/mL) and 78 (69.6%) sufficient 25-OH vitamin D concentrations (41.6 ± 8.6 ng/mL). Athletes with sufficient levels achieved a higher maximal aerobic power (3.9 ± 0.9 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8 W/kg, p = 0.03) compared to those with insufficient levels. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of 25-OH vitamin D insufficiency in professional indoor athletes, even in summer. Insufficient 25-OH vitamin D concentrations were associated with lower maximal aerobic power in male professional indoor athletes. Further, the 25-OH vitamin D concentration was identified as the only independent predictor of maximal aerobic power in these athletes, highlighting the impact of 25-OH vitamin D on physical performance. Therefore, 25-OH vitamin D concentrations of ≥ 30 ng/mL should be maintained to ensure optimal physical performance in these athletes.

Relationship Between Metabolites of Vitamin D, Free 25-(OH)D, and Physical Performance in Indoor and Outdoor Athletes

“…We showed that in the group of indoor judoists there was a significant correlation between total 25-(OH)D and vertical jump parameters (jump height, peak velocity, peak power, RSImod, and propulsive force and power). The relationship between total 25-(OH)D and physical performance levels of male athletes has been described in several studies (Fitzgerald et al, 2015;Kim et al, 2020;Most et al, 2021). Our study also showed the relationship between 24,25- 2017) observed a statistically significant association between 1,25-(OH) 2 D and jump height-peak power in a group of 116 healthy human volunteers (79 women and 37 men; aged 20 ± 74 years).…”

“…More recently, the relationships between total 25-(OH)D concentration and performance-related factors in athletes have been observed in many studies (Seo et al, 2019;Kim et al, 2020;Most et al, 2021;Wilson-Barnes et al, 2021). Although the importance of vitamin D for athletes in regard to health and performance was emphasized, the studies found inconsistent results.…”

Vitamin D Supplementation Has No Impact on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, but Improves Inflammatory Status in Vitamin D Deficient Young Men Engaged in Resistance Training

“…Recently Most et al [63] reported 29% higher serum ferritin levels in Vit-D sufficient elite male handball and hockey players compared to their Vit-D insufficient counterparts. However, Bacchetta et al [64] observed a small (10%) but statistically significant decrease in serum ferritin as a result of a single large dose (100,000 IU) of oral Vit-D administration in healthy adults.…”

Influences of Vitamin D and Iron Status on Skeletal Muscle Health: A Narrative Review

“…Forney et al reported a positive association between serum 25(OH)D and VO 2 max (r = 0.360) but not with tests of anaerobic performance or muscle strength [90]. Additionally, submaximal aerobic performance and aerobic power was better in athletes with higher serum 25(OH)D levels compared to those with levels considered deficient (<35 ng•mL −1 and <30 ng•mL −1 , respectively) [87,88]. Peak torque was found to be 12-17% higher in those with higher serum 25(OH)D levels [85,86].…”

“…Table 1 reports studies examining associations between vitamin D status and skeletal muscle health. Many studies in athletic populations reported associations between concentrations of 25(OH)D and measurements of performance [84][85][86][87][88]; however, other studies reported no associations between vitamin D and performance outcomes [89,90]. Koundorakis et al reported correlations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and tests of anaerobic and aerobic performance.…”