Nutrition to keep the athlete healthy

Question 1

How does the ratio differ from winter to summer for vitamin D sources

Answer 1

Summer 80% sunlight: diet 20%

Winter: 20% sunlight: 80% diet.

Question 2

Effects of VIT-d on immune system ?

Answer 2

Increases monocyte oxidative burst activity, APC function and macrophage production of antimicrobial proteins

Also reduces inflammation and overactive (auto)immunity.

Question 3

How does vit D content relate to URI ?

Answer 3

Those with optimal intakes have less incidence of URI, reduced severity of effects and reduced duration.

Question 4

Is vit-D status chronically low across the whole population? and what are some effects when it is ?

Answer 4

Not usually, but during the winter months it is because of the reduced UVB levels.

This is especially bad in athletes.

below optimal Vitamin D status:

• longer duration and more severe symptoms of upper respiratory illness
• Reduced levels of salivary SIgA and other antimicrobial proteins.