The letter discusses a study by Hacker et al. on Vitamin D levels in German elite athletes, revealing a high prevalence of insufficiency (55.5%), with 16% falling below the deficiency threshold. Factors influencing Vitamin D levels include age, training environment (indoor vs. outdoor), and genetic polymorphisms, specifically the VDBP rs7041 variant. A positive association was found between Vitamin D levels and handgrip strength, but the study's cross-sectional nature prevents causal conclusions. The study emphasizes the need for personalized supplementation strategies, particularly for younger athletes and those training indoors. Future research should explore the dynamic relationship between Vitamin D, genetic factors, and athletic performance using longitudinal studies.
Letter to the Editor discussing: Hacker S, Lenz C, Reichert L, Ringseis R, Zentgraf K, Krüger K. Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s00421-024–05699-6
Pegreffi, Francesco;Perrone, Lorena;Bravaccini, Sara
2025-01-01
Abstract
The letter discusses a study by Hacker et al. on Vitamin D levels in German elite athletes, revealing a high prevalence of insufficiency (55.5%), with 16% falling below the deficiency threshold. Factors influencing Vitamin D levels include age, training environment (indoor vs. outdoor), and genetic polymorphisms, specifically the VDBP rs7041 variant. A positive association was found between Vitamin D levels and handgrip strength, but the study's cross-sectional nature prevents causal conclusions. The study emphasizes the need for personalized supplementation strategies, particularly for younger athletes and those training indoors. Future research should explore the dynamic relationship between Vitamin D, genetic factors, and athletic performance using longitudinal studies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
