What if you could take a pill, in this case a vitamin, that would prevent a number of health conditions AND improve athletic performance?

It could be a reality with vitamin D; also known as the sunshine vitamin.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a hormone that is essential to bone and muscle health. It is necessary for absorption of calcium and therefore, strong bones. Low vitamin D levels can lead to bone fractures and muscle weakness. Exciting research is emerging that suggests a correlation between low vitamin D levels and diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis.

Although low vitamin D levels may contribute to obesity, obesity can lower vitamin D levels in the body. This is because fat cells pull vitamin D from the blood, which alters its release into circulation. Low vitamin D levels are common among people with a BMI over 30. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, those with fat malabsorption are also at a higher risk of deficiency. This may be true for people with Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Cystic Fibrosis.

People over the age of 70 years of age may be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. As we age, our kidneys become less able to convert vitamin D to its active form. Breastfed infants, those with dark skin and people who spend less time in the sun are also at risk of deficiency.

How does vitamin D affect athletic performance?

Vitamin D regulates over 900 gene variants including exercise-induced inflammation, cardiovascular health, glucose metabolism, bone health and muscle performance. Although studies are lacking specifically on athletes and vitamin D, it is plausible that vitamin D can:

• Increase skeletal muscle function and mass
• Prevent muscle catabolism (breakdown)
• Decrease recovery time from training and injuries
• Increase force and power production
• Increase testosterone production
• Improve VO2max

All of these factors combined can significantly increase athletic performance. However, a major question is if one needs to be deficient or low in vitamin D in order for vitamin D supplementation to improve performance. At this point, it is unclear. Furthermore, of the studies conducted, most of the participants received well over the recommended amount of vitamin D for daily health (usually 2,000-5,000 IU). Although it is possible for toxicity to occur with  10,000 IU for an extended period, there are no studies to prove this for ethical reasons. Vitamin D also plays a role in calcium and vitamin K in bone formation. Too much vitamin D might lead to high levels of calcium, which can lead to kidney stones.

So how do I know if I am getting enough?

Surprisingly, 88.1% of the world’s population has inadequate vitamin D levels and studies show 56% of athletes are low as well. Athletes may require a higher amount of vitamin D to maintain normal blood levels. The best way to know is to get a simple lab test at your doctor’s office. They will check your blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D; which is the active form of vitamin D. A healthy range of vitamin D in your body is 20-50 ng / mL. Under 20 ng / mL is considered low and

How much do I need and where can I get it?

This is also an area for conflict, unfortunately. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is 400-800 IU. However, studies have shown that this amount is not sufficient to prevent deficiency. The Endocrine Society recommends 400-1,000 IU for infants, 600-1,000 IU for children and 1,500-2,000 IU per day for adults. Research suggests that the amount needed per day is highly dependent on the person and the sources of vitamin D they are getting. For example, there are two main forms of vitamin D: D2, which is a plant source and D3, which is an animal source. D2 is not as bioavailable and not as easily absorbed as D3. Therefore, vegans may be at a higher risk of deficiency.

It is wise to get your vitamin D levels checked regularly in order to determine in you are getting enough. If you are deficient, your doctor will prescribe a supplement of 4,000 IU or more. Although supplements are one source of vitamin D, whole foods are the preferred source if you are not deficient.

Sources of Vitamin D:

• 5-30 minutes of sunlight per day
• Fatty fish such as salmon (particularly sockeye salmon), tuna and mackerel
• Fish liver oils
• Beef liver, cheese, egg yolks
• Milk (fortified cow’s milk, almond milk, soymilk and coconut milk)
• Fortified yogurt
• Fortified cereal, orange juice and margarine
• Dried shiitake mushrooms

Your best bet is to consume a varied diet that includes a variety of the foods listed above every day and to consume a multivitamin / multi mineral. You can also find fish oil and omega 3 supplements that contain D3. You can take the recommended dose and eat fish a couple times per week without overdoing it.

Try the delicious recipe below which can easily be prepared for a quick weeknight dinner!

Maple Glazed Sockeye Salmon Recipe

This quick and easy recipe only takes 10 minutes to make and contains 900 IU of vitamin D!

Yield: Makes 2 servings (1 fillet), Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 Dijon mustard teaspoon
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (6 ounce) sockeye salmon fillets
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Combine first 4 ingredients and whisk together.
3. Place salmon skin side down on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. (for real athletes for success in sports, we recommend oral turinabol kaufen) Brush with maple syrup mixture and broil for 10-12 minutes or until flesh is flaky. Brush maple mixture on fish after 5 minutes and 10 minutes during the cooking process.
4. Serve with a side of cooked brown rice and sautéed green beans for a complete meal.

Vitamin D is just one of the many micronutrients our bodies need for health and optimal performance. Are you an athlete and need a customized training plan to support you in your sport?

As a certified personal trainer specializing in athletic conditioning, I can help you increase power and strength with a customized training plan. You can learn about some incredible transformations my clients have had on the testimonials page!