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Master of Public Health

Evaluation of a Vitamin D Screening and Treatment Protocol Using a Seasonal Calculator in Athletes

AUTHORS

Hollabaugh WL , Meirick PJ , Matarazzo CP , Burston AM , Camery ME , Ferrill-Moseley KA , Bley JA , Pennings JS , Fitch RW , Tanner SB , Karpinos AR , . Current sports medicine reports. ; 21(2). 53-62

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Vitamin D is important in musculoskeletal health, and low serum vitamin D concentration is common in athletes. This study implemented a vitamin D screening and supplementation protocol in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes using summer 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and a seasonal variation calculator to achieve sufficient vitamin D concentration year-round. After implementation of the Vitamin D Protocol, there was a nonsignificant difference in athletes with sufficient winter vitamin D concentrations (72.6%) compared with summer vitamin D concentrations (66.1%) (P = 0.40). The Seasonal Variation Calculator predicted winter vitamin D concentrations (8 ± 18 ng·mL-1) higher than actual winter vitamin D concentrations (P < 0.01). While most athletes (78%) believed vitamin D was important for athletic performance, athlete compliance to the Vitamin D Protocol was inconsistent. In the future, adjustment of vitamin D screening and supplementation protocols may help athletes achieve sufficient vitamin D status year-round.

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