The association of VDR gene polymorphisms with serum vitamin D levels and injury predisposition in elite athletes of Kazakhstan

This study aimed to investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and serum vitamin D levels, as well as injury predisposition, in elite athletes from Kazakhstan. We recruited 137 elite athletes from Kazakhstan across nine different sports. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by Access 25(OH)D Vitamin D Total assay. The VDR gene polymorphisms were identified using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The association between VDR gene polymorphisms and serum vitamin D levels, as well as injury predisposition, was assessed using statistical methods. Over 60% of the athletes had vitamin D insufficiency, and 30% were deficient. We found a statistically significant association between vitamin D status and ethnicity (χ2 = 10.66, p < 0.01) and age (χ2 = 7.40, p < 0.05). G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism showed a statistically significant association with vitamin D inadequacy in Asians (A/A-A/G vs. G/G, OR = 6.23, 95% CI 1.65–23.43, p < 0.01). The same G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism showed a statistically significant association with increased risk (A/A-AG vs G/G, OR = 5.56, 95% CI 1.41–21.91, p < 0.01) of injuries in athletes of Asian origin. A high prevalence of insufficient 25-(OH)D levels was observed. Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with ethnicity and age. G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism is associated with vitamin D insufficiency and increased risk of injuries in athletes of an Asian cohort. These findings may be useful for the development of personalized targeted approaches for diagnostics, nutrition, and injury prevention strategies.