Determinants of vitamin D status in Albanian elite athletes: A cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/9z0kew35Keywords:
vitamin D deficiency, body mass index, sun exposure, skin pigmentation, athletesAbstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a significant health issue influenced by multiple lifestyle and anthropometric factors, even among physically active populations such as athletes. To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Albanian athletes and to examine its association with anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, sun exposure, and skin pigmentation. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024, including 80 athletes aged 18–30 years. 25(OH)D levels were measured in serum and using predesigned questionnaires. Non-parametric tests, Spearman correlations, and multivariable logistic regression were specified. Overall, 42 athletes (52.5%) had sufficient vitamin D concentrations, 37 (46.3%) had insufficiency, and one (1.3%) had deficiency; therefore, 38 (47.5%) had vitamin D inadequacy. BMI differed across vitamin D categories (p = 0.048). Sun exposure (ρ = 0.097, p = 0.393) and skin pigmentation (ρ = −0.085, p = 0.454) were not significantly correlated with 25(OH)D. In the adjusted model, BMI showed a positive but imprecise association with vitamin D inadequacy (adjusted odds ratio 1.16 per kg/m², 95% CI 0.99–1.36; p = 0.066), while the remaining modeled factors were not independently associated. Vitamin D inadequacy affected nearly half of this cohort. The cross-sectional findings support continued investigation of anthropometric and environmental correlates but do not establish causality or justify universal biochemical screening.
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