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Abstract
Background: Vitamin D is a considered significant bone health and play a pivotal role in skeletal muscle growth, and other physiological processes. However, Vitamin D deficiency is t global health issue, and athletes may be susceptible particularly. The current study aimed to evaluate the serum concentration of 25(OH) ₂ D3 in university athletes and assess the effects of bolus supplementation of vitamin D3 on their physical performance. Materials and methods: A total of 40 athletes (18-23 years old, 70 ±4kg, and 170±12 cm) from Abdul Wali Khan University voluntarily participated in the trial. The participants were randomly divided in two groups .The treatment group received 200,000 IU of vitamin D3 (Vit- D3) in milk, whereas the placebo group received sterile water in milk. The coach, who administered the supplementation was unblinded, while participants were kept blinded. Serum vitamin D concentration were measured before and after supplementation .The physical performance was evaluated via sprint 30m, standing broad jump and vertical jump tests. Results: Following supplementation, treatment group demonstrated a significant increase in total serum 25(OH) D concentration (p< 0.05). Notably, prior to supplementation 58% of athletes were identified as deficient. In the 30 meter sprint the average time for the treatment group improved from 4.0 ± 0.09 to 3.9 ± 0.09, while placebo group showed no significant change (p>0.05). Similarly, for the standing broad jump the distance achieved by the treatment group increased from (2.6 ± 0.1 to 2.7 ± 0.1), whereas placebo group exhibited no change (2.7 ± 0.09 -2.7 ± 0.09). The vertical jump height test also significantly improved in the treatment group (10.0 ±0.44-10.6 ± 0.47), in contrast no significant change was observed in the placebo group (10.0 ± 0.41-10.0 ±0.42). Conclusion: A bolus intervention of 200000 IU of Vit- D3 significantly increased serum 25(OH)₂ D3 levels and reversed deficiency (Vit- D3) in the athletes. Therefore, high-dose supplementation contributed in physical performance tests. Further studies with large sample size and longer duration for trials are required to validate these findings