What is the role of Vitamin D in athletic performance?
Research has suggested that the vitamin allows cells to use calcium and muscle fibers to develop and grow normally. It also helps the immune system to function efficiently. “Almost every cell in the body has receptors” for Vitamin D, says Anderson. “It can up-regulate and down-regulate hundreds, maybe even thousands of genes”. Causes of Low Vitamin D levels in Athletes / Low vitamin D levels in Children / Low vitamin D levels in active adults Results of a study published online in the journal Pediatrics last month revealed that more than 60 percent American children, have “insufficient” levels of Vitamin D and another 9 percent are clinically “deficient.” Cases of rickets have been rising recently. Similar studies across the world have revealed similar results. Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic global problem. The primary cause is inadequate exposure to sun. This could be because: • People, especially children now spend more time in indoor activities • Fear of overex
