The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks

Abstract

This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men doing strength training. The research involved 55 men aged 19–35. The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets for 12 weeks: high-fat diet (LCHF) or high-carb diet (LFHC), which were applied to satisfy the caloric requirements of each participant. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation was included. Moreover, both before and after following interventional diets, the level of hormones in participant’s blood was examined. After 12 weeks of following interventional diets in both groups, no changes of the levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as SHGB, were found. The cortisol level in both groups decreased; however, only in the LFHC group was the change statistically significant (p = 0.03) and amounted to −3.5% (the cortisol level on an empty stomach in this group decreased from 14.17 ± 3.35 to 13.93 ± 2.63 mcg/dl). In both groups, the supplementation of vitamin D brought about a significant change in the level of vitamin D metabolite (25 (OH) D) (p = 0.01). In the LCHF group, the level of metabolite increased by 95%, and by 58.3% in the LFHC group. The increase in vitamin D metabolite in blood was higher in the LCHF group than the LFHC group, which might have resulted from the supplementation of this vitamin.

Seven-month wintertime supplementation of 1200 IU vitamin D has no effect on hand grip strength in young, physically active males: A randomized, controlled study

“…On the other hand, a recent study of 50 young male ice hockey players found no statistically significant associations between 25(OH)D and testosterone and cortisol concentrations in a single blood test in the month of October [ 50 ]. In line with this, Worzosek et al [ 51 ], in a study of 55 male athletes who received 12 weeks of 2000 IU vitamin D supplementation, found no effect on the levels of testosterone, estradiol, or cortisol, which is similar to the findings of the present study.…”

Associations between second to fourth digit ratio, cortisol, vitamin D, and body composition among Polish children

“…In a similar manner to our investigation, Wrzosek et al 35 did not find any association between vitamin D and cortisol concentration. Our results are not in line with studies which suggested that cortisol inhibits intestinal calcium transport causing enhanced production of endogenous vitamin D 36 .…”

Seven-month Wintertime Supplementation of 1200 IU Vitamin D Has No Effect on Hand Grip Strength in Young, Physically Active Males: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

“…On the other hand, a recent study of 50 young male ice hockey players found no statistically signi cant associations between 25(OH)D and testosterone and cortisol concentrations in a single blood test in the month of October [47]. In line with this, Worzosek et al [48], in a study of 55 male athletes who received 12 weeks of 2000 IU vitamin D supplementation, found no effect on the levels of testosterone, estradiol or cortisol, which is similar to the ndings of the present study.…”