Vitamin D Deficiency in Wintertime
Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with muscle
pain, weakness, and increased susceptibility to injuries. While
93 percent of professional Spanish soccer players have adequate
levels of vitamin D in the fall (October), only 64 percent had
adequate levels in the winter (February) {Clinical Nutrition,
February 2012; 31(1):132-136}.
If you are a regular exerciser who has a decrease in
performance, recurrent injuries or chronic muscle or tendon pains,
get a blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D. If it is below 75
nmol/L =30 ng/ml, you need more sunlight or vitamin D pills. You
cannot meet your needs for vitamin D from the food that you eat.
dr. gabe mirkin