A recent study presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s (AOSSM) Annual Meeting in San Diego in July 2011, suggests that low vitamin D levels might increase the chance of muscle injuries in athletes.

Michael Shindle, MD, lead researcher and member of Summit Medical Group, presented the study results.  The study focused on NFL football players.  According to Dr. Shindle, 80 percent of the football players studied had vitamin D insufficiency.  African American players and players who suffered muscle injuries had significantly lower levels.

Researchers identified 89 football players from a single NFL team and provided laboratory testing of vitamin D levels in the spring 2010 as part of routine pre-season evaluations.  The team provided data to determine the number of players who had lost time due to muscle injuries.  Twenty-seven players had deficient levels (<20 ng/ML) and an additional 45 had levels consistent with insufficiency (20-31.9 ng/mL).  Seventeen players had values within normal limits (>32 ng/mL).  The mean vitamin D level in white players was 30.3 ng/mL, while the mean level for black players was 20.4 ng/mL.  Sixteen players suffered a muscle injury with a mean vitamin D level of 19.9 ng/mL.

Dr. Scott Rodeo, MD, co-chief of the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, said that screening and treatment of vitamin D insufficiency in professional athletes may be a simple way to help prevent injuries.  But, according to Dr. Joseph Lane, MD, director of the Metabolic Bone Disease Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, further research also needs to be conducted in order to determine if increasing vitamin D leads to improved maximum muscle function.

Normally, our bodies take in vitamin D in the form of sun synthesis through the skin.  Additionally, eating the right foods can also increase our vitamin D levels.  Foods such as: 

·         Fish –salmon, mackerel, herring, canned tuna or sardines, or cod liver oil

·         Meat – beef, lamb, chicken or pork liver, or eggs

·         Foods fortified with vitamin D

More info on vitamin D-rich foods can be found at LiveStrong.com or the Global Healing Center.

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and not for medical diagnosis or treatment.  If you have a medical concern or issue, please consult with your physician.