scholarly journals The Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation for Athletes: Better Performance and Reduced Risk of COVID-19

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3741
Author(s):  
William B. Grant ◽  
Henry Lahore ◽  
Michelle S. Rockwell
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Sports Teams ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Personal Consequences ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Tract Infections

The COVID-19 pandemic is having major economic and personal consequences for collegiate and professional sports. Sporting events have been canceled or postponed, and even when baseball and basketball seasons resumed in the United States recently, no fans were in attendance. As play resumed, several players developed COVID-19, disrupting some of the schedules. A hypothesis now under scientific consideration is that taking vitamin supplements to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations could quickly reduce the risk and/or severity of COVID-19. Several mechanisms have been identified through which vitamin D could reduce the risks of infection and severity, death, and long-haul effects of COVID-19: (1) inducing production of cathelicidin and defensins to reduce the survival and replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; (2) reducing inflammation and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and risk of the “cytokine storm” that damages the epithelial layer of the lungs, heart, vascular system, and other organs; and (3) increasing production of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, thus limiting the amount of angiotensin II available to the virus to cause damage. Clinical trials have confirmed that vitamin D supplementation reduces risk of acute respiratory tract infections, and approximately 30 observational studies have shown that incidence, severity, and death from COVID-19 are inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Vitamin D supplementation is already familiar to many athletes and sports teams because it improves athletic performance and increases playing longevity. Thus, athletes should consider vitamin D supplementation to serve as an additional means by which to reduce risk of COVID-19 and its consequences.

scholarly journals Vitamin D levels and risk of COVID-19 infection: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
Ana C. Coelho-Oliveira ◽  
Bruno B. Monteiro-Oliveira ◽  
Rebeca B. M. Cavalcante ◽  
Daniel B. Santos ◽  
Anelise Sonza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective: Consistent independent associations between lowserum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and susceptibilityto acute respiratory tract infections have suggested apossible involvement of vitamin D in reducing the risk ofrespiratory infections and proposing its replacement as apotential strategy for prevention or treatment in this context.However, the role of vitamin D supplementation in theinfection by the novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 isstill under investigation and no clinical evidence has beenreported to date. Methods: Electronic searches in Pubmed,Embase and Scopus databases were conducted and threecohort studies that analyzed the effects of interaction ofvitamin D with COVID-19, published only in English, wereincluded. Two reviewers, which independently examinedtitles and abstracts, identified records through database searchand reference screening and irrelevant studies were excludedbased in eligibility criteria. Relevant full texts were analyzedfor eligibility, and all relevant studies were included in thesystematic review. Results: Three cohort studies were includedin this systematic review with a mean methodologicalquality low. Only one study demonstrated interaction of lowvitamin D concentration in patients with a positive diagnosisfor COVID-19. Randomized clinical trials and studies of goodmethodological quality are necessary to confirm the findingsof this systematic review. Conclusions: This systematic reviewhas not demonstrated consistent associations between lowlevels of vitamin D and susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.Further studies on vitamin D supplementation for the preventionof COVID-19 infection should be conducted..

scholarly journals Vitamin D Supplementation Could Prevent and Treat Influenza, Coronavirus, and Pneumonia Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B. Grant ◽  
Henry Lahore ◽  
Sharon L. McDonnell ◽  
Carole A. Baggerly ◽  
Christine B. French ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Vitamin D Supplements ◽  
Tract Infections

Low vitamin D status in winter permits viral epidemics. During winter, people who do not take vitamin D supplements are likely to have low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of viral epidemics and pandemics in several ways. First, higher 25(OH)D concentrations reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory tract infections (RTIs), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Patients with chronic diseases have significantly higher risk of death from RTIs than otherwise healthy people. Second, vitamin D reduces risk of RTIs through three mechanisms: maintaining tight junctions, killing enveloped viruses through induction of cathelicidin and defensins, and reducing production of proinflammatory cytokines by the innate immune system, thereby reducing the risk of a cytokine storm leading to pneumonia. Observational and supplementation trials have reported higher 25(OH)D concentrations associated with reduced risk of dengue, hepatitis, herpesvirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infections, and pneumonia. Results of a community field trial reported herein indicated that 25(OH)D concentrations above 50 ng/ml (125 nmol/l) vs. <20 ng/ml were associated with a 27% reduction in influenza-like illnesses. From the available evidence, we hypothesize that raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations through vitamin D supplementation could reduce the incidence, severity, and risk of death from influenza, pneumonia, and the current COVID-19 epidemic.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and respiratory infection in adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Laaksi
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Uvb Radiation ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Tract Infections

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global issue that has significant implications for health. The classical role of vitamin D in bone mineralisation is well known; vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis. The role of vitamin D in an immune system is less known. Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a secosteroid hormone produced in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol after exposure to sunlight UVB radiation. Nutrition and supplements are main sources of vitamin D in wintertime in northern countries as sunlight exposure is inadequate for the production. For activation vitamin D needs to be hydroxylated in liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D and in kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the most active hormone in Ca absorption in the gut. For determination of vitamin D status serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, the major circulating form of the hormone is to be measured. Vitamin D regulates gene expression through binding with vitamin D receptors, which dimerises with retinoid X receptor. This complex binds to vitamin D-responsive elements inside the promoter regions of vitamin D-responsive genes. Vitamin D has a key role in innate immunity activation; the production of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and defensins) following Toll-like receptor stimulation by pathogen lipopeptides is dependent on sufficient level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Clinically, there is evidence of the association of vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory tract infections. There is also some evidence of the prevention of infections by vitamin D supplementation. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to explore this preventive effect.

Vitamin D Level Stability in Dystrophinopathy Patients on Vitamin D Supplementation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Naomi Vather-Wu ◽  
Matthew D. Krasowski ◽  
Katherine D. Mathews ◽  
Amal Shibli-Rahhal
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Frequent Monitoring ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Stable Maintenance ◽  
Mean Time

Background: Expert guidelines recommend annual monitoring of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and maintaining 25-OHD ≥30 ng/ml in patients with dystrophinopathies. Objective: We hypothesized that 25-OHD remains stable and requires less frequent monitoring in patients taking stable maintenance doses of vitamin D. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study, using the electronic health record to identify 26 patients with dystrophinopathies with a baseline 25-OHD ≥30 ng/mL and at least one additional 25-OHD measurement. These patients had received a stable dose of vitamin D for ≥3 months prior to their baseline 25-OHD measurement and throughout follow-up. The main outcome measured was the mean duration time the subjects spent with a 25-OHD ≥30 ng/mL. Results: Only 19% of patients dropped their 25-OHD to <  30 ng/ml, with a mean time to drop of 33 months and a median nadir 25-OHD of 28 ng/mL. Conclusions: These results suggest that measurement of 25-OHD every 2–2.5 years may be sufficient in patients with a baseline 25-OHD ≥30 ng/mL and who are on a stable maintenance dose of vitamin D. Other patients may require more frequent assessments.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Polish Medical Doctors

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2443
Author(s):  
Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński ◽  
Olga Maria Rostkowska ◽  
Beata Sarecka-Hujar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Study Results ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background Vitamin D deficiency occurs in as much as 90–95% of the Polish population, although this condition is known to cause negative long-term health implications. The role of medical doctors in advising proper supplementation, monitoring and correcting the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in individuals is of great importance and should be used to help mitigate its common deficits. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices of Polish physicians regarding vitamin D supplementation in order to identify areas for improvement and determinants for the knowledge gaps. Methods The study group comprised 701 medical doctors aged 32.1 ± 5.3 years on average, mostly women (71.61%). An original survey questionnaire was developed for the purpose of the study. Results The mean vitamin D knowledge score was 6.8 ± 2.3 (in a scale 0–13) and was related to gender (p < 0.001), type of specialization (p = 0.032), D3 supplements use (p < 0.001), recommending supplementation to patients (p = 0.005), to relatives and friends (p < 0.001) and to healthy adults (p < 0.001). In terms of self-administration, 14% of respondents take vitamin D all-year-round while 24% only in autumn and winter. 25% of respondents monitor their vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) serum concentration. Most participants (61%) did not recommend supplementing vitamin D to their patients on a regular basis. Conclusions The study indicates that medical doctors in Poland need to have more training and education on vitamin D supplementation in order to better address the problem of its deficits in the population.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Weekly Split versus Single Doses of Ergocalciferol on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D among Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Naowanit Nata ◽  
Jessada Kanchanasinitth ◽  
Pamila Tasanavipas ◽  
Ouppatham Supasyndh ◽  
Bancha Satirapoj
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Split Dose ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

Background. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Vitamin D supplementation leads to reduced serum parathyroid hormone levels and improved cardiovascular markers. Different doses and time intervals of oral vitamin D supplementation may differ in each patient on dialysis. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of weekly split and single dose of ergocalciferol at 60,000 IU on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) among patients on CAPD. Methods. A randomized study was conducted among patients on CAPD with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL). Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the split dose group was given ergocalciferol 20,000 IU three times weekly and the single dose group was given ergocalciferol 60,000 IU once weekly for 8 weeks. Main outcomes measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations, serum calcium, serum phosphate, and intact parathyroid levels at 8 weeks after being enrolled. Results. Of 128 screened patients, 50 met the criteria for eligibility and were randomized. At 8 weeks after treatment, mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations significantly increased from baseline 22.7 ± 5.9 to 29.5 ± 9.5 ng/mL P = 0.004 in the split dose group and 22.9 ± 5.3 to 31.2 ± 12.3 ng/mL P = 0.003 in the single dose group. No significant change was found in increase of serum 25(OH)D between the two groups P = 0.561 . At the end of study, a similar proportion of patients in both groups reached the desirable serum concentration of 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL (60% in the single group vs. 40% in the split group, P = 0.258 ). No significant cases of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, or serious adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusion. Weekly single and split doses of ergocalciferol 60,000 IU achieved similar effects on serum 25(OH)D levels among patients on CAPD with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, suggesting that weekly single dose would be prescribed for adequate vitamin D repletion. This trial is registered with TCTR20200821005.

VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN FEMALE NURSES: THE EFFECTS ON SERUM 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D, AND NON-SPECIFIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (02) ◽  
pp. 1550008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Negin Masoudi Alavi ◽  
Mahla Madani ◽  
Mohsen Taghizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Reza Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Single High Dose ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Before And After ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Female Nurses

Purpose: To investigate the effect of weekly single high dose vitamin D supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and non-specific musculoskeletal pain in female nurses. Methods: In this prospective study in Kashan/Iran, from April 1, 2014, through September 30, 2014, the 150 nurses with vitamin D deficiency received the weekly pearls of 50,000 units of vitamin D3 for 10 weeks. The serum level of 25(OH)D was measured before and after supplement therapy. The subjects were also asked to complete the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. All analyses were conducted with SPSS version 16. Results: After 10 weeks of intervention there was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D. The 82 nurses (54.7%) had 25(OH)D in normal range, while the 68 nurses (45.3%) were still vitamin D deficient. Weight could explain 15.4% increase in 25(OH)D. Before intervention 135 (90%), of nurses reported musculoskeletal pain in at least one region, after intervention this number decreased to 72.7%. There was a statistically significant improvement in musculoskeletal pain in neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, hips/tights, knees, and ankles/feet after intervention. Conclusions: The weekly single high dose of vitamin D for 10 weeks could resolve vitamin D deficiency in about half of the patients. Patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain might benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D supplementation, body weight and human serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D response: a systematic review

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armin Zittermann ◽  
Jana B. Ernst ◽  
Jan F. Gummert ◽  
Jochen Börgermann
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Human Serum ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

Vitamin D status in infancy and cardiometabolic health in adolescence

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-112
Author(s):  
Joshua Garfein ◽  
Kerry S Flannagan ◽  
Sheila Gahagan ◽  
Raquel Burrows ◽  
Betsy Lozoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

ABSTRACT Background Vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity-related conditions, but the role of early life vitamin D status on the development of obesity is poorly understood. Objectives We assessed whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at age 1 y was related to metabolic health through adolescence. Methods We quantified serum 25(OH)D in samples obtained at age 1 y from 306 participants in a cohort study in Santiago, Chile. Anthropometry was performed at ages 5, 10, and 16/17 y. At 16/17 y, we determined body composition using DXA and quantified metabolic parameters in a blood sample. We examined the associations of infancy 25(OH)D with BMI-for-age z-score (BMIZ) at ages 5, 10, and 16/17 y; with percentage fat and percentage lean body mass at age 16/17 y; and with a metabolic syndrome (MetS) score and its components at age 16/17 y. Results Infancy 25(OH)D was inversely associated with BMIZ in childhood. Every 25-nmol/L difference in 25(OH)D was related to an adjusted 0.11 units lower BMIZ at age 5 y (95% CI: −0.20, −0.03; P = 0.01) and a 0.09 unit lower BMIZ change from ages 1 to 5 y (95% CI: −0.17, −0.01; P = 0.02). Also, every 25-nmol/L 25(OH)D in infancy was associated with an adjusted 1.3 points lower percentage body fat mass (95% CI: −2.2, −0.4; P = 0.005) and an adjusted 0.03 units lower MetS score (95% CI: −0.05, −0.01; P = 0.01) at age 16/17 y, through inverse associations with waist circumference and the HOMA-IR. Conclusions Serum 25(OH)D at age 1 y is inversely associated with childhood BMIZ, percentage body fat at age 16/17 y, and a MetS score at age 16/17 y. Intervention studies are warranted to examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation in early life on long-term cardiometabolic outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document