Predictive Factors for Vitamin D Concentrations in Swiss Athletes: A Cross-sectional Study

Zürcher, Simeon Joel; Quadri, Andrea; Huber, Andreas; Thomas, Lothar; Close, Graeme L.; Brunner, Saskia; Noack, Patrik; Gojanovic, Boris; Kriemler, Susi

doi:10.1055/a-0669-0791

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…In addition to calcium, the interplay with other nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D is also vitally important for the formation of the mineral skeleton. Youth athletes are unlikely to be deficient in phosphorous and magnesium (Unnithan and Goulopoulou, 2004 ), but recent evidence suggests that youth winter sports athletes may be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (Zurcher et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Micronutrientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Key Nutritional Considerations for Youth Winter Sports Athletes to Optimize Growth, Maturation and Sporting Development

Hannon

Flueck

Grémeaux

et al. 2021

Front. Sports Act. Living

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Despite a wealth of sport nutrition guidelines for adult athletes, there are currently no nutrition guidelines for youth winter sports athletes. Whilst it may be pragmatic to apply nutrition guidelines for adult athletes to youth winter sports athletes, it is inappropriate. Due to a paucity of research on youth athletes, it is impossible to provide evidence-based guidelines for this population, so careful extrapolation from the theoretical and practical considerations that apply to other athletic groups is necessary. Youth winter sport athletes undergo rapid biological growth and maturation which influences their nutritional requirements. A varied and balanced diet that ensures sufficient energy availability for optimal growth and maturation as well as sporting performance is the cornerstone of youth athlete nutrition and should also allow for youth athletes to meet their micronutrient requirements. In some cases, micronutrient status (e.g., vitamin D and iron) should be monitored and optimized if appropriate by a medical professional. Dietary supplement use is prevalent amongst youth athletes, however is often unnecessary. Education of youth athletes, their parents and coaches on best nutritional practices as well as the risks associated with dietary supplements is vital for their long-term athletic development. Further research in youth winter sports athletes across different stages of growth and maturation competing in a variety of sports is urgently required in order to inform nutritional guidelines for this population.

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Section: Micronutrientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Vitamin D containing foods such as liver and eggs contain suboptimal quantities. Indeed, performing training in winter months and indoors (typical of youth winter sports athletes) increases a youth athlete's risk of vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol·L −1 ; Zurcher et al, 2018 ].…”

Section: Micronutrientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Key Nutritional Considerations for Youth Winter Sports Athletes to Optimize Growth, Maturation and Sporting Development

Hannon

Flueck

Grémeaux

et al. 2021

Front. Sports Act. Living

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“…However, there are evidences that the positive effects of vitamin D on muscles and immune function are possible even at a concentration of 25(OH)D of about 20 ng/mL [19]. The vitamin then begins to be stored in muscles for its later utilization [20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency in Young Male Russian Soccer Players in Winter

et al. 2019

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Vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent in adult soccer players and can exceed 80% even in regions with high insolation; however, the treatment of this condition is often complicated. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in youth Russian soccer players and the efficacy of its treatment. Participants were 131 young male football players (age 15.6 ± 2.4 years). Low vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/mL) were observed in 42.8% of the analyzed participants. These athletes were split in two groups composed of persons with vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D below 21 ng/mL) and insufficiency (serum vitamin D in range of 21–29 ng/mL). A dietary supplement of 5000 IU cholecalciferol per day was administered for two months. After the treatment, an average 92% increase in vitamin D concentration was observed (before treatment—19.7 ± 5.4 ng/mL, after treatment—34.7 ± 8.6 ng/mL, p<0.001) and 74% of the post-treatment values were within the reference range (30–60 ng/mL). Serum concentration of vitamin D increased by 200% ± 98% (p<0.001) during the first month of treatment with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency being successfully treated in 83% of the football players. In summary, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was high in young Russian soccer players. Furthermore, it was indicated that the daily usage of cholecalciferol in a dose 5000 IU was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for vitamin D insufficiency. No linear dependency between the duration of treatment and increase in vitamin 25(OH)D concentration was observed.

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“…18,30 Reported factors that increase the risk of vitamin D insufficiency in football players include Black race and male sex. 3,33,44 In terms of therapy, oral vitamin D supplementation has been shown to successfully raise levels of 25(OH)D in high-level athletes. 2,10,20,43 Although it is still controversial whether vitamin D sufficiency is correlated with improved athletic performance, maintaining adequate levels of 25(OH)D in serum is important for the athlete's general health and might also help with injury prevention.…”

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confidence: 99%

Five-Year Surveillance of Vitamin D Levels in NCAA Division I Football Players: Risk Factors for Failed Supplementation

Weber

Bolia

Korber

et al. 2021

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

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Background: Monitoring vitamin D levels in athletes and determining their response to supplementation in cases of deficiency is thought to be necessary to modulate the risks associated with vitamin D deficiency. Hypothesis/Purpose: To report the results of a 5-year-long surveillance program of vitamin D in the serum of football players on a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I team and to examine whether factors including age, body mass index (BMI), race, position played, and supplement type would affect the response to 12-month oral vitamin D replacement therapy in athletes with deficiency. We hypothesized that yearly measurements would decrease the proportion of athletes with vitamin D insufficiency over the years and that the aforementioned factors would affect the response to the supplementation therapy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We measured serum 25(OH)D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in 272 NCAA Division I football players from our institution annually between 2012 and 2017. Athletes with insufficient vitamin D levels (<32 ng/mL) received supplementation with vitamin D3 alone or combined vitamin D3/D2. The percentage of insufficient cases between the first 2 years and last 2 years of the program was compared, and yearly team averages of vitamin D levels were calculated. Associations between player parameters (age, BMI, race, team position, supplement type) and failed supplementation were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency decreased significantly during the study period, from 55.5% in 2012-2013 to 30.7% in 2016-2017 ( P = .033). The mean 25(OH)D level in 2012 was 36.3 ng/mL, and this increased to 40.5 ng/mL in 2017 ( P < .001); however, this increase was not steady over the study period. Non-Hispanic athletes and quarterbacks had the highest average 25(OH)D levels, and Black players and running backs had the lowest overall levels. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, race, or playing position between athletes with and without failed vitamin D supplementation. Athletes receiving vitamin D3 alone had a more successful rate of conversion (48.15%) than those receiving combined vitamin D3/D2 (22.22%; P = .034). Conclusion: To decrease the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in football players, serum vitamin D measurements should be performed at least once a year, and oral supplementation therapy should be provided in cases of deficiency. Black players might be at increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Oral vitamin D3 may be more effective in restoring vitamin D levels than combined vitamin D3/D2 therapy.

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Predictive Factors for Vitamin D Concentrations in Swiss Athletes: A Cross-sectional Study

Cited by 8 publications

References 63 publications

Key Nutritional Considerations for Youth Winter Sports Athletes to Optimize Growth, Maturation and Sporting Development

Key Nutritional Considerations for Youth Winter Sports Athletes to Optimize Growth, Maturation and Sporting Development

Prevalence and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency in Young Male Russian Soccer Players in Winter

Five-Year Surveillance of Vitamin D Levels in NCAA Division I Football Players: Risk Factors for Failed Supplementation

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