Vitamin D May Help Prevent Injuries in Athletes

Vitamin D has been found to possibly be beneficial to the body in many ways over the years. Recently, new research has suggested that insufficient levels of the vitamin may increase the chance of injuries in athletes.

The study, which will be presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Annual Meeting in San Diego, found that NFL players, in particular, are at risk of injury if they do not consume enough of the vitamin. Scientists took 89 football players and measured their vitamin D levels as part of their regular pre-season health assessment. They found that many of the players who had suffered injuries had low levels of the vitamin.

"Eighty percent of the football team we studied had vitamin D insufficiency. African-American players and players who suffered muscle injuries had significantly lower levels," said Michael Shindle, M.D., lead researcher.

Though more research needs to be conducted, Shindle and his colleagues state that these findings suggest that an increase in vitamin D intake could be a simple way to reduce the chance of injury for athletes.

Easy Health Options Staff

By Easy Health Options Staff

Submitted by the staff at Easy Health Options®.

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