Mary S McCarthy1, Evelyn B Elshaw2, Barbara M Szekely2, Dheeraj Raju3. 1. Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA. 2. The Geneva Foundation, 917 Pacific Ave. Suite 600, Tacoma, WA. 3. University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To explore response to vitamin D supplementation in active duty (AD) warfighters and translate findings into evidence-based health policy. BACKGROUND: Soldiers are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries and metabolic dysfunction that impact physical performance and military readiness; the link with low vitamin D status is unclear. METHODS: This prospective trial enrolled 152 soldiers; baseline 25 hydroxyvitamin (OH) D level determined assignment to a no-treatment control (CG) or treatment group (TG) receiving a vitamin D3 supplement for 90 days. Symptoms, diet, sun exposure, and blood biomarkers obtained at baseline (T1) and 3 months (T2). RESULTS: Cohort was predominantly white (58%) with a significant difference in racial distribution for vitamin D status. Mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels were 37.8 (5.6) ng/mL, 22.2 (5.0) ng/mL, and 22.9 (4.7) ng/mL for the CG, low dose TG, and high-dose TG at T1, respectively. Following three months of treatment, one-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between groups (F5,246 = 44.37; p < 0.0001). Vitamin D intake was 44% of Recommended Dietary Allowance throughout the first phase of the trial. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores improved in TG for fatigue and sleep, p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in AD soldiers. Clinicians must intervene early in preventable health conditions impacting warfighter performance and readiness and recommend appropriate self-care strategies. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2019.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To explore response to vitamin D supplementation in active duty (AD) warfighters and translate findings into evidence-based health policy. BACKGROUND: Soldiers are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries and metabolic dysfunction that impact physical performance and military readiness; the link with low vitamin D status is unclear. METHODS: This prospective trial enrolled 152 soldiers; baseline 25 hydroxyvitamin (OH) D level determined assignment to a no-treatment control (CG) or treatment group (TG) receiving a vitamin D3 supplement for 90 days. Symptoms, diet, sun exposure, and blood biomarkers obtained at baseline (T1) and 3 months (T2). RESULTS: Cohort was predominantly white (58%) with a significant difference in racial distribution for vitamin D status. Mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels were 37.8 (5.6) ng/mL, 22.2 (5.0) ng/mL, and 22.9 (4.7) ng/mL for the CG, low dose TG, and high-dose TG at T1, respectively. Following three months of treatment, one-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between groups (F5,246 = 44.37; p < 0.0001). Vitamin D intake was 44% of Recommended Dietary Allowance throughout the first phase of the trial. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores improved in TG for fatigue and sleep, p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS:Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in AD soldiers. Clinicians must intervene early in preventable health conditions impacting warfighter performance and readiness and recommend appropriate self-care strategies. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2019.
Entities:
Keywords:
bone health; military; randomized controlled trial; supplementation; vitamin D
Authors: Leho Rips; Alar Toom; Rein Kuik; Ahti Varblane; Hanno Mölder; Marika Tammaru; Mart Kull; Vahur Ööpik; Jüri-Toomas Kartus; Helena Gapeyeva; Madis Rahu Journal: J Int Soc Sports Nutr Date: 2022-07-19 Impact factor: 4.948