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Effects of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation and Physical Exercise on Vitamin D Metabolites in Professional Football Players: A Pilot Study.

  • 2026-01-05
  • Nutrients 18(1)
    • Anna Książek
    • Aleksandra Zagrodna
    • Konrad Kowalski

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
20 professional football players
Methods
Three-phase, randomized placebo-controlled pilot study; single 500,000 IU dose of vitamin D3 before a simulated match; blood samples collected before and after each session; metabolite analysis by ID-LC-MS/MS
Blinding
Open-label
Duration
three-phase
Funding
Unclear
  • Rigorous Journal
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle metabolism and recovery, yet its kinetics during and after football-specific physical activity remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether physical effort during a football match influences the concentration of vitamin D metabolites and to explore the effect of a single high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation combined with physical exercise on the levels of vitamin D metabolites in professional football players. Methods: Twenty professional football players participated in a three-phase, randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Baseline fitness and blood samples were collected, followed by pre- and post-match measurements during two games. In the final phase, half of the players received a single 500,000 IU dose of vitamin D3 before a simulated match. Blood samples were collected before and after each session to analyze vitamin D metabolites using the isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method. Results: Physical exercise during the football match significantly increased serum concentrations of 25-(OH)D3, 24,25-(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25-(OH)D3 (by up to 25%, p < 0.001). Following supplementation, these effects were further amplified, with 25-(OH)D3 rising by 98% and 3-epi-25-(OH)D3 by 424% (p < 0.001). Significant alterations in vitamin D metabolite ratios after exercise and supplementation suggest enhanced metabolic turnover and dynamic regulation of vitamin D pathways in response to physical effort. Conclusions: Football-specific physical activity appears to stimulate the release of vitamin D metabolites. High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation was well tolerated and may rapidly increase vitamin D status in professional athletes. These findings may have implications for optimizing recovery and performance, though larger trials are needed.

Research Insights

  • Vitamin D→Increased 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D Level

    Physical exercise during the football match significantly increased serum concentrations of ... 24,25-(OH)2D3 ... Following supplementation, these effects were further amplified

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    500,000 IU single dose
  • Vitamin D→Increased 25(OH)D3 Level

    Following supplementation, these effects were further amplified, with 25-(OH)D3 rising by 98%

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
    Dose
    500,000 IU single dose
  • Vitamin D→Increased 3-epi-25-(OH)D3 Level

    3-epi-25-(OH)D3 by 424% (p < 0.001)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
    Dose
    500,000 IU single dose

Adverse Events Reported

  • Vitamin D→Overall tolerability

    High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation was well tolerated

    Finding
    Reported
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