Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Middle Eastern sportsmen

摘要

ObjectiveWhile vitamin D deficiency is well recognized in Middle Eastern women as a result of cultural norms of remaining covered, Middle Eastern men are an under-reported group. Vitamin D is now known to have multiple effects, including an impact on muscle function, thereby increasing the relevance for sportsmen. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in young male Middle Eastern athletes.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingQatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.SubjectsNinety-three Middle Eastern men presenting to hospital for an annual screening undertook a blood test to evaluate their vitamin D status.ResultsNinety-one per cent of athletes were found to be deficient in 25(OH)D (serum concentration