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Cited by 249Vitamin D Research StudiesNutrition and Health StudiesPhysical Activity and Health

Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in athletes: a systematic-review and meta-analysis

Farrokhyar, Forough, Tabasinejad, Rasam, Dao, Dyda, Peterson, Devin, Ayeni, Olufemi R., Hadioonzadeh, Reza, Bhandari, Mohit·2015·Sports Medicine
DOI 10.1007/s40279-014-0267-6
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Abstract

Background Vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal bone health. The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in athletes is currently unclear.Objective The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in athletes.Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple databases were searched and studies assessing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status in athletes were identified. Serum 25(OH)D is measured to clinically determine vitamin D status. Reviewers independently selected the eligible articles, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Weighted proportions of vitamin D inadequacy [serum 25(OH)D <32 ng/mL] were calculated (DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model) and compared using Chi-squared (χ (2)) test. Subgroup analyses were conducted and risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.Results Twenty-three studies with 2,313 athletes [mean (standard deviation) age 22.5 (5.0) years, 76 % male] were included. Of 2,313 athletes, 56 % (44-67 %) had vitamin D inadequacy that significantly varied by geographical location (p < 0.001). It was significantly higher in the UK and in the Middle East. The risk significantly increased for winter and spring seasons (RR 1.85; 95 % CI 1.27-2.70), indoor sport activities (RR 1.19; 95 % CI 1.09-1.30), and mixed sport activities (RR 2.54; 95 % CI 1.03-6.26). The risk was slightly higher for >40°N latitude [RR 1.14 (95 % CI 0.91-1.44)] but it increased significantly [RR 1.85 (1.35-2.53)] after excluding the Middle East as an outlier. Seven studies with 359 athletes reported injuries. The prevalence of injuries in athletes was 43 % (95 % CI 20-68) [bone related = 19 % (95 % CI 7-36); muscle and soft-tissue = 37.5 % (95 % CI 11.5-68.5)].Conclusion Despite the limitations of the current evidence, the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in athletes is prominent. The risk significantly increases in higher latitudes, in winter and early spring seasons, and for indoor sport activities. Regular investigation of vitamin D status using reliable assays and supplementation is essential to ensure healthy athletes. The prevalence of injuries in athletes is notable but its association with vitamin D status is unclear. A well-designed longitudinal study is needed to answer this possible association.

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  • Whether an ergogenic effect of vitamin D supplementation exists in athletes with healthy or elevated serum 25(OH)D levels is equivocal.

    “However, to date, whether an ergogenic effect of vitamin D supplementation in athletes with healthy or elevated serum 25(OH)D levels is equivocal [239,292,294,299].”

    From Nutritional Considerations for the Vegan Athlete (2023) · cites this paper as [292]

  • A meta-analysis across 23 studies with 2312 athletes revealed that more than 50% had low serum 25(OH)D concentrations (≤50 nmol/L), although dietary habits were not discerned.

    “When athlete populations are considered, a meta-analysis across 23 studies with 2312 athletes revealed that more than 50% had low serum 25(OH)D concentrations (ie, ≤50 nmol/L) [292], although dietary habits were not discerned.”

    From Nutritional Considerations for the Vegan Athlete (2023) · cites this paper as [292]

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Authors
Farrokhyar, F., Tabasinejad, R., Dao, D., Peterson, D., Ayeni, O. R., Hadioonzadeh, R., & Bhandari, M.
Affiliations
  • McMaster University (CA)
  • York University (CA)
Corresponding author
Farrokhyar, Forough
ORCID
Venue
Sports Medicine
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2014-10-03
Volume
45
Issue
3
Pages
365-378
ISSN
  • 0112-1642 (ISSN-L)
  • 1179-2035
DOI
10.1007/s40279-014-0267-6
OpenAlex
W2002579058
Cited by
249
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 21 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 5 · 2013: 1
FWCI
1.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Vitamin D Research Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutrition and Health Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
Keywords
vitamin D insufficiency, athletes, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D status, prevalence, bone health, sports injuries, seasonal variation, latitude, indoor sports, vitamin D supplementation
MeSH terms
Altitude, Athletic Injuries, Humans, Risk Factors, Seasons, Sports, Vitamin D, Vitamin D Deficiency, Prevalence

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