Low 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations in international UK track and field athletes

Objective. While it is recognised that vitamin D deficiency iscommon in the general population, there have been no studies inelite athletes in the UK. This observational study aimed to assessthe 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) status of elite athletes onthe Great Britain track and field team.Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was performedby analysing blood results from elite athletes on the British athleticsteam (N=63; mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 24.9±4.2 years).Athletes on the elite programme were offered blood tests throughthe winter and summer of 2009 and were eligible for inclusion inthe study.Results. Nineteen per cent (n=12) of athletes in the currentstudy can be classified as 25(OH)D deficient (<20 mcg/l), while afurther 29% (n=18) can be classified as having insufficient serum25(OH)D levels (20 - 30 mcg/l). Female sex (insufficent anddeficient OH(D) prevalence 58%, n=18) and dark skin (prevalence65%, n=20) were found to be independent predictors of serum25(OH)D levels of <30 mcg/l.Conclusion. This study reveals a notable prevalence of low serum25(OH)D levels in elite athletes and subsequent management ofdeficient athletes is likely to be of importance for athlete health.The impact of these results on athletic performance remains to bedetermined, and clinical trials to assess performance, particularlymuscular performance, following correction of 25(OH)D status indeficient athletes are required.