You guys! I completely spaced on last weeks Science Sunday!
So, I went ahead and did some research ahead of time and got a whole months worth of content for us. It was all I did for an entire day.
Okay, moving on… For today’s edition we’re talking about a study that found that Athletes Who Play Indoor Sports at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency.
I think this discussion is especially important right now as we’re mostly staying indoors due to COVID-19.
This study, dubbed a pilot study since it involves so few subjects, follows George Mason University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for an entire season. That’s only 20 people total – not a lot of test subjects. The time-frame is decent with it being the whole season. Is it just me or does basketball seem to last forever?
First, why is Vitamin D important anyway? Well, the Cleveland Clinic states Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and helps keeps bones strong as major pluses. There are other believed benefits as well such as keeping cancer at bay, protecting against or preventing diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, infections, and immune disorders.
So, this study followed the two basketball teams and they treated the athletes with high, low, or no dose of Vitamin D and tracked their performance and Vitamin D levels throughout the basketball season.
The athletes body composition, skin pigmentation, sun exposure, dietary intake, and blood were collected and studied throughout the entire study. They found that 65% of the athletes were still Vitamin D deficient.
What are some of the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? The Cleveland Clinic states, “Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression.”
How do we get enough? Limited sun exposure, food, and supplements are a few ways. The amount we all need is individual as well.
Not all food is created equally either so I’d check out the foods that include Vitamin D to see if you’re getting enough.
Right now with the virus going around it’s important to still get outside to get some sunlight. It will not only give us that Vitamin D but also help with our mental state also as we deal with this virus physically but mentally as well.
Stay safe and stay well, my friends!
Nicoles Fitness 