Seasonal variation in vitamin D status in professional soccer players of the English Premier League

The prevalence of seasonal variation in vitamin D status was examined in 20 FA Premier League soccer players residing at a latitude of 53 degrees N. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) levels decreased (P < 0.001) between August (104.4 +/- 21.1 nmol.L-1, range 68-151) and December (51.0 +/- 19.0 nmol.L-1, range 22-86), such that levels for 65% of the sample were insufficient (< 50 nmol.L-1) in winter. Strategies to augment vitamin D-3 availability may therefore be advantageous for UK soccer players so as to maintain muscle function.