The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status, immunity and physical performance.
Vitamin D plays a key role in bone mineralisation and has been linked to immune defence maintenance and muscle function. Vitamin D is primarily obtained from endogenous synthesis in response to skin sunlight exposure and follows a seasonal pattern; whereby, vitamin D levels peak at the end of the summer and fall to a trough during winter. If winter vitamin D levels can be increased to match those found in summer using supplementation, it is proposed sufficient vitamin D levels will improve physical performance and reduce susceptibility to illness in military recruits.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
260
Infantry Training Centre
Catterick, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
RECRUITINGVitamin D status
Circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, 1,25-d OH(OH)D
Time frame: Up to 20 months
Physical performance 1
Vertical Jump height (cm) and peak power output (watts)
Time frame: Up to 20 months
Physical performance 2
Maximal dynamic lift strength (kg)
Time frame: Up to 20 months
Physical performance 3
Multi-stage fitness test predicted VO2max (mL/kg/min)
Time frame: Up to 20 months
Hepatitis B antibody
Antibody produced in response to the presence of Hepatitis B antigen (e.g. Hepatitis B vaccine)
Time frame: Up to 20 months
Mucosal immunity
Secretory Immunoglobulin A levels
Time frame: Up to 20 months
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