The previous decade has been marked with the discovery
of many new physiological functions of vitamin D as well
as the documentation of epidemic vitamin D deficiency
and insufficiency among adults and children worldwide
While less is known about vitamin
D status in athletes, emerging evidence is suggesting that
vitamin D plays an important role in an athlete_s health,
training and performance. Specifically, it is now recognized
that vitamin D is imperative for bone health, immune function,
and inflammatory modulation and it may
even be necessary for optimal muscle function
and performance . In addition, vitamin D deficiency is
linked to an increased risk for chronic and autoimmune
disorders V including hypertension, cardiovascular disease,
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,
depression, and certain types of cancer V
many of which occur even in the trained athlete.