Korean J Sports Med.  2018 Jun;36(2):71-76. 10.5763/kjsm.2018.36.2.71.

Do Young Athletes Need Vitamin D Supplement? Vitamin D Status and Deficiency Related Factor on Sports Type (Indoor vs. Outdoor), Age, Sex, Body Mass Index, Seasonal Variations in Korean Young Athletes

• Yang S
• Lhee SH

• KMID: 2429179
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2018.36.2.71

Abstract

PURPOSE
Several studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency has significant effects on muscle weakness, injury and illness, and ultimately, exercise performance. However, studies on vitamin D status and deficiency related factors for young athletes are still lacking.
METHODS
Four hundred athletes who have undergone serum vitamin D (D2 and D3) test were studied. Vitamins were classified into three groups (deficiency, insufficiency, and adequacy). Blood sampling time was classified into four groups (spring, summer, fall, and winter).
RESULTS
Of the 400 athletes, 31.5% were deficient, 48.25% were insufficient, and 20.25% were adequate in vitamin D. The group with lower vitamin D levels was older, had a higher body weight, and had higher body mass index. Comparisons by sex were significantly lower in female athletes than male athletes for indoor sports. Seasonal comparisons were significantly lower in winter than in spring, summer, and autumn. When the correlation analysis between the characteristics of the athletes and vitamin D was analyzed, there was a weak negative correlation between age and body mass index and height and weight were not related. Athletes' vitamin D levels are higher than the general population, but about 80% of them have vitamin D deficiency.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D deficiency causes exercise performance and performance deterioration; therefore, it is necessary to monitor and manage more closely when there are related factors.

Keyword

Athletes; Deficiency; Performance; Supplement; Vitamin D

MeSH Terms

Athletes*
Body Mass Index*
Body Weight
Female
Humans
Male
Muscle Weakness
Seasons*
Sports*
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D*
Vitamins*
Vitamin D
Vitamins

Reference

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