Low levels of vitamin D in professional basketball players after wintertime: relationship with dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium

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Abstract

IntroductionAlthough vitamin D deficiency has a high worldwide prevalence among the general population, very little is known about vitamin status in athletes.AimTo investigate serum vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels after wintertime in male elite basketball players, and to relate these levels to the dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium.MethodsSubjects were 21 players from the same professional Spanish team. Blood samples to assess 25(OH)D levels were collected after wintertime during the 2008/2009 (April) and 2009/2010 (March) seasons. In addition, athletes completed 4-day dietary records to estimate energy consumption and a food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary vitamin D and calcium intake. Serum 25(OH)D levels were 47.8±21.8 nmol/L, with twelve subjects (57%) being vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L).ResultsVitamin D intake was 139±78 IU/day and calcium intake was 948±419 mg/day. Serum 25(OH)D levels correlated with the daily dietary intake of vitamin D (r=0.65; P=0.001) and calcium (r=0.82; P<0.001).ConclusionProfessional basketball players are at higher risk of hypovitaminosis D after wintertime. Adequate intake of dietary calcium and vitamin D is required if athletes are to avoid low serum 25(OH)D levels when exposure to sunlight is limited.

Publication Date

2011-09-01

Publication Title

Nutricion Hospitalaria

Volume

26

Issue

5

ISSN

0212-1611

Keywords

Serum 25(OH)D, Basketball, Calcium, Vitamin D

First Page

945

Last Page

951

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10.3305/nh.2011.26.5.5056" data-hide-no-mentions="true">

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