Sports & Exercise Performance
Optimising vitamin D levels gives you an edge in sports and exercise performance.
Numerous large well conducted studies indicate vitamin D deficiency is so common that it is the rule among young otherwise healthy adults and adolescents. Such deficiencies are so widespread among athletes, especially those who avoid the sun, use sunblock, or practice and compete indoors or at high latitude. All studies that specifically looked for vitamin D deficiency among athletes found it is commonplace.
There is an association between improved physical performance in summer versus that in winter, which correlates with the different vitamin D blood levels of the seasons.
Studies have consistently found relationships between vitamin D levels particularly those levels greater than 50 ng/ml and physical functioning such as balance, strength, reaction time and endurance. Few athletes have achieved blood levels above that.
Vitamin D directly affects muscle tissue by increasing the size and number of type-2, fast twitch muscle fibres in vitamin D deficient subjects. Variations in the shape of the vitamin D receptors (polymorphisms) are also associated with muscle strength, indicating vitamin D plays a role in muscle strength.
Exposure to ultraviolet light, of the wavelength and dose involved in vitamin D synthesis, consistently improves various measures of athletic performance in adults, children, and in athletes.
Persistent, sufficient amounts of vitamin D blood levels are crucial for the absorption of calcium for children’s growth and development, particularly during their rapid growth phase in puberty. Losing this valuable opportunity to optimise the blood levels of vitamin D, and since poorer bone compaction will not bode well for the bone and muscular structure of the child in the present as well as in the future - this manifests as greater risks for having bone diseases and fractures due to osteoporosis, spinal degenerative disease, and chronic backpains later in life. Our organisation is particularly interested in assisting parents in optimising their children’s vitamin D levels.
If you are a parent, sports coach or physical trainer, or are active in any type of physical activity, and wish to optimise your full potential, please contact us with any queries to discuss how to arrange a screening and optimising program to help maximise your performance.
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Source: Nutrients 2020, 12, 579
