Literature review: pharmacological effects of vitamin D in the body to enhance athletic performance

Abstract

Studies (domestic and foreign) on the effect of vitamin D on muscle strength, muscle recovery rate, maximum oxygen consumption and prevention of skeletal muscle injury reduction have been analyzed. At the same time it was found that athletes are susceptible to hypovitaminosis no less often than standard population groups due to higher physical loads. It is unequivocally possible to say that vitamin D supplementation improves the physical fitness of athletes and can correct their condition in the autumn-spring period. Objective: an analysis of literature data based on the significance of the pharmacological effects of vitamin D in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system of the body and its role of improving athletic performance. Material and methods. The Pubmed/MEDLINE digital scientific library was chosen as the main source of information. Additionally, the search included the repositories of open access preprints from eLIBRARY.RU for 2016-2022. Key words for the search query were "vitamin D," "calcitriol," "sports," and "athletes." The results of the study are reported taking into account PRISMA recommendations. Results. Duration and quality of insolation directly affect vitamin D levels. Additional sun exposure combined with the use of vitamin D preparations contributes to the elimination of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to decreased intranuclear VDR concentrations and decreased VDR gene expression, which contributes to myopathy following atrophy of type IIA muscle fibers. Additional enrichment of special electrolyte solutions with water-soluble vitamin D is reasonable. Conclusion. Continuous monitoring of the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood serum of athletes is an integral part in the development of recommendations for improving health and sports performance in training and competitive regimes. Individual correction of vitamin D should be carried out in accordance with changes in its level in each athlete.