Vitamin D2, Muscle Damage, NASCAR Pitcrew

Vitamin D2 is found naturally in sun-exposed mushrooms, and vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is present in oil-rich fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. Mushrooms contain very little or any vitamin D2 but are abundant in ergosterol, which can be converted into vitamin D2 by ultraviolet (UV) illumination (Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011;65:965-71).

In recent decades, there has been increased awareness of the impact of vitamin D on muscle function (Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010;20:182-90). In the early 20th century, athletes and coaches felt that ultraviolet rays had a positive impact on athletic performance, and evidence is accumulating to support this view. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies support a functional role for vitamin D in muscle, and the discovery of the vitamin D receptor in muscle tissue provides a mechanistic pathway for understanding the role of vitamin D within muscle. Studies in athletes have found that vitamin D status is variable and is dependent on outdoor training time (during peak sunlight), skin color, and geographic location (Pediatr Clin North Am. 2010;57:849-61).

25(OH)D is the best indicator and major form of vitamin D in the blood, with a circulating half-life of 2-3 weeks. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a plasma vitamin D [25(OH)D] level of less than 20 ng/ml, with vitamin D insufficiency defined as 21-29 ng/ml. Estimates are that 20-100% of children, young and middle-aged adults, and community-dwelling elderly men and women are vitamin D deficient (J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96:1911-30).

Purpose: To determine if 6 weeks supplementation with Dole Vitamin D Portobello Mushroom Powder (4,000 IU/day) can, 1) increase winter serum vitamin D levels, and measure whether vitamin D supplementation 2) has a chronic influence on muscle function and strength, and innate immune function, and 3) can attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in athletes.

Inclusion criteria

• NASCAR pit crew members
• Willing to avoid food and supplement sources (during the 6-week supplementation period) that are high in vitamin D (specifically canned fish, cod liver oil, salmon, and supplements with high-dose vitamin D).
• Agree to train normally.
• Avoid the use of large dose vitamin/mineral supplements (above 100% recommended dietary allowances), and medications known to affect immune function.
• Avoid the use of tanning beds.
• Willing to adhere to all aspects of the study design.

Exclusion criteria

• Not allergic to mushrooms.
• Do not have a heart problem or have been told by your doctor not to engage in vigorous exercise.