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Citation
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Barcal JN, Thomas JT, Hollis BW, Austin KJ, Alexander BM, Larson-Meyer DE. Nutrients 2016; 8(12): nu8120775. |
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Affiliation
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Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. enette@uwyo.edu. |
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Abstract
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This study explored the link between vitamin D status and frequency of skin infections, inflammation, and injury in college wrestlers during an academic year.
METHODS: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (n = 19), plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) (n = 18) concentrations, and body weight/composition were measured and injury/illness/skin infection data were collected in fall, winter, and spring.
RESULTS: In the fall, 74% of wrestlers had vitamin D concentrations <32 ng/mL which increased to 94% in winter and spring. Wrestlers lost an average of 3.4 ± 3.9 kg (p < 0.001) during the season with corresponding decreases in fat mass and increases in lean mass (p < 0.01). An inverse association between 25(OH)D concentrations and total body mass and body fat percentage was observed at all-time points (p < 0.01). Concentrations of cytokines were highly variable among individuals and did not change across time (p > 0.05). Correlations between vitamin D status, cytokines, or frequency of illness, injury, or skin infections were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<32 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was observed in wrestlers and was associated with higher adiposity. It remains unclear if higher vitamin D status would reduce injury, illness, and skin infection risk.
Language: en |