Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies

Characteristics of Vitamin D Levels in Elite Israeli Olympic Athletes

Abstract

Sean Klein

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the human body, particularly in bone health, immune function, and muscle performance. For athletes, especially those competing at elite levels, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is essential not only for overall health but also for enhancing performance, reducing injury risk, and ensuring effective recovery. This is particularly true for elite Israeli Olympic athletes, who face unique environmental, lifestyle, and training conditions that may influence their vitamin D status. Understanding the characteristics of vitamin D levels in these athletes is vital for improving their health outcomes and athletic performance. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained through exposure to sunlight, dietary sources, and supplements. When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun interact with the skin, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced. This form of vitamin D is then converted to its active form, calcitriol, in the liver and kidneys. In addition to sun exposure, dietary sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks can contribute to vitamin D intake.