Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among a diverse cohort of Indian collegiate athletes

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D is essential for optimal musculoskeletal function and athletic performance. While the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D levels below 20.00 ng/mL exceeds 70% in the general population of South Asian countries, research on vitamin D status in athletes from Asian countries, including India, remains limited. This study examines the extent of low serum cholecalciferol levels among Indian athletes and investigates the impact of gender and sport type (indoor vs. outdoor) on serum vitamin D levels.
METHODS: Upon receiving consent, 331 athletes (male=243, female=88) who competed in various sporting events were recruited. A serum assay was undertaken to measure vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. Serum 25(OH)D levels were categorized using the guidelines provided by the Endocrine Society Clinical Practices Guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 20.
RESULTS: The study reported an average serum vitamin D level of 17.76±6.93 ng/mL. Only 8.2% of athletes had sufficient
serum 25(OH)D, while 54.4% were deficient. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in female athletes compared to male athletes (15.72±5.92 ng/mL vs. 20.72±7.73 ng/mL, p<0.001), with females having a 4.32 times higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, indoor athletes had lower mean serum 25(OH)D levels than outdoor athletes (49.24% vs. 74.63%, p<0.001), increasing their risk of deficiency by 3.03 times.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The rate of low serum cholecalciferol levels is high among athletes. Females and athletes partaking in indoor sports were at a higher risk for having lower vitamin D. Biannual serum assessments of those at risk for developing deficiency could help to better assess the situation.