THE EFFECT OF SEASONAL CHANGES IN ILLUMINATION ON VITAMIN D CONCENTRATION IN ATHLETES OF GAME SPORTS
Abstract
Introduction and purpose of the study: Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, muscle function, and immunity, which is especially important for athletes. The main way to obtain vitamin D is its synthesis in the skin under the influence of sunlight. In the northern regions, where there is a significant fluctuation in the level of sunlight depending on the season, athletes have an increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of seasonal lighting changes on vitamin D levels in athletes involved in team sports and living in northern latitudes.
Material and methods: The study included 60 athletes (men and women) aged 18 to 35 years, representing game sports (football, basketball, volleyball), living in the northern regions. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 30) consisted of athletes who took vitamin D supplements at a dose of 2000 IU/day during the winter; group B (n = 30) included athletes who did not receive additional vitamin D. Level 25(OH)D in blood serum was determined twice: at the beginning of the winter period (in November) and at the end (in March) by enzyme immunoassay.
Results: At the beginning of winter, the average level is 25(OH)D in group A was 30 ± 5 ng/ml, whereas in group B it was 28 ± 4 ng/ml (p > 0.05). By the end of winter in Group A, level 25(OH)D increased slightly to 32 ± 6 ng/ml (p > 0.05), while in group B there was a significant drop to 20 ± 3 ng/ml (p < 0.05). Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) was recorded in 40% of group B participants and only 10% of Group A athletes.
Conclusions: Seasonal changes in the level of sunlight in the northern regions have a significant impact on vitamin D levels in athletes of game sports. Without additional vitamin D intake in winter, there is a noticeable decrease in its content in the body, which can potentially negatively affect health and athletic performance. It is recommended to consider additional vitamin D intake in winter to prevent vitamin D deficiency among athletes living in regions with low levels of solar activity.
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