Abstract
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin with hormone actions. Synthesized cutaneously from UVB light or derived from the diet, vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and calcium homeostasis. Vitamin D is transported in the circulation bound to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). The active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, and this allows modulation of gene expression.
Recently there has been a resurgence of hypovitaminosis D that has been deemed a worldwide pandemic. This deficiency has highlighted the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D status for non-calcemic health benefits including immunity, reproductive function, muscle function, and prevention of sarcopenia. Inverse associations with 25(OH)D concentration and increased incidence of several diseases and disorders have been established including periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, respiratory infections, and certain cancers. Research in athletic populations is currently limited, but findings in nonathletic populations suggest that vitamin D status is associated with jumping force and velocity. Further research is necessary to determine the impact of vitamin D status on health and performance in athletes.
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Thomas, J.J., Larson-Meyer, D.E. (2013). Vitamin D and Exercise Performance. In: Constantini, N., Hackney, A. (eds) Endocrinology of Physical Activity and Sport. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-314-5_18
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