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Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Elite Irish Athletes.

Authors :
Magee, Pamela J.
Pourshahidi, L. Kirsty
Wallace, Julie M.W.
Cleary, John
Conway, Joe
Harney, Edward
Madigan, Sharon M.
Source :
International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism; Oct2013, Vol. 23 Issue 5, p441-448, 8p, 3 Charts, 1 Graph
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Background: A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, which may impact on health and training ability, is evident among athletes worldwide. This observational study investigated the vitamin D status of elite Irish athletes and determined the effect of wintertime supplementation on status. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, and plasma parathyroid hormone were analyzed in elite athletes in November 2010 (17 boxers, 33 paralympians) or March 2011 (34 Gaelic Athletic Association [GAA] players). A subset of boxers and paralympians (n = 27) were supplemented during the winter months with either 5,000 IU vitamin D3/d for 10–12 weeks or 50,000 IU on one or two occasions. Biochemical analysis was repeated following supplementation. Results: Median 25(OH)D of all athletes at baseline was 48.4 nmol/L. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) was particularly evident among GAA players (94%) due to month of sampling. Wintertime supplementation (all doses) significantly increased 25(OH)D (median 62.8 nmol/L at baseline vs. 71.1 nmol/L in April or May; p = .001) and corrected any insufficiencies/deficiencies in this subset of athletes. In contrast, 25(OH)D significantly decreased in those that did not receive a vitamin D supplement, with 74% of athletes classed as vitamin D insufficient/deficient after winter, compared with only 35% at baseline. Conclusions: This study has highlighted a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among elite Irish athletes and demonstrated that wintertime vitamin D<subscript>3</subscript> supplementation is an appropriate regimen to ensure vitamin D sufficiency in athletes during winter and early spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1526484X
Volume :
23
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
91743417
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.23.5.441