Vitamin D = Stronger Athletes
Low levels of vitamin D is linked to slower recovery among athletes.
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A new line of studies conducted by University of Tulsa researchers suggests that low levels of vitamin D is linked to slower recovery among athletes. Researchers analyzed vitamin D levels in more than 100 athletes and found that 68 percent had adequate levels, 23 percent were insufficient and 9 percent were deficient (below 50 nmol/L).
Athletes who had lower vitamin D displayed significantly poorer performance in four physical tests: a vertical jump, shuttle run, triple hop and one-rep squat max, showing that their strength, explosiveness, speed, agility and recovery were affected.
Take-away:
The Endocrine Society recommends consuming 1,500 and 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day.
Tip: Fortified milk is a great source of vitamin D.