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Open Access 04-01-2025 | Original Article

Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes

Authors: Sebastian Hacker, Claudia Lenz, Lukas Reichert, Robert Ringseis, Karen Zentgraf, Karsten Krüger

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated elite German athletes to (1) assess their serum 25(OH)D levels and the prevalence of insufficiency, (2) identify key factors influencing serum 25(OH)D levels, and (3) analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and handgrip strength.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 474 athletes (231 female), aged 13–39 years (mean 19.3 years), from ten Olympic disciplines were included. Serum 25(OH)D levels were analyzed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D metabolism were determined using leukocyte DNA. Grip strength was measured unimanually using a hand-held dynamometer. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the influence of SNPs, age, sex, season (summer vs. winter), and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor) on 25(OH)D status. Linear regression analyzed the relationship between handgrip strength and serum 25(OH)D levels.

Results

In total, 55.5% (n = 263) of athletes demonstrated insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L), with 16% (n = 76) showing levels below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). After correction for multiple testing, significant influences on 25(OH)D levels were observed for the C allele of VDBP rs7041 (AC Genotype: \(\widehat{\upbeta }\) = 7.46, p < .001; CC Genotype: \(\widehat{\upbeta }\) = 6.23, p = .001). Age (all p < .01) and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor; all p < .05) also influenced serum 25(OH)D levels. Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with handgrip strength (\(\widehat{\upbeta }\)= 0.01, p < .001).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of insufficient 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L) was observed. We identified certain genetic variants as well as age and discipline as predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. This knowledge may guide individualized diagnostic, nutritional, and supplementation strategies.

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Title: Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes
Authors: Sebastian Hacker
Claudia Lenz
Lukas Reichert
Robert Ringseis
Karen Zentgraf
Karsten Krüger
Publication date: 04-01-2025
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05699-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

Springer Medicine

Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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