Performance improvement in sport through vitamin D - a narrative review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health problems. However, it is not common knowledge among athletes and doctors that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in sports. This deficiency can severely impact performance, while vitamin D supplementation can alleviate this effect and potentially improve performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This narrative review aims to compile the current state of knowledge about the importance of vitamin D in increasing performance for active people. To this end, we searched the `Scopus' and `PubMed' databases for the terms `vitamin D - athlete - performance' with an end date of 30 June 2022. RESULTS: Study results indicated that the therapeutic impact of vitamin D on aerobic capacity, recovery, strength and sprint performance remains controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the previous findings on recovery, strength and performance, 4,000-5,000 IU of vitamin D per day may be a safe dose that can improve athletic performance.