The Role of Vitamin D3 Supplementation in the Prevention of Hypertension in Adolescents Athletes: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.59.72791Keywords
vitamin D, athletes, arterial hypertension, endothelium, oxidative stress, supplemantationAbstract
Background. Vitamin D is mainly known for its role in bone health and maintaining proper calcium balance, especially in athletes. In recent years, however, more attention has been paid to its influence on the cardiovascular system. Even though vitamin D deficiency is common among physically active people, its effect on the heart and blood vessels during intense exercise is still often underestimated in sports medicine.
Aim. The aim of this study was to assess how vitamin D deficiency affects the cardiovascular system in athletes, with particular focus on endothelial function, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system, and blood pressure regulation.
Material and methods. A literature review was carried out using scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Current research papers, clinical studies, and review articles concerning 25(OH)D levels, cardiovascular stress during exercise, and vascular health in athletes were analyzed and compared.
Results. The analyzed studies showed that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important for proper endothelial function and nitric oxide production, as well as for limiting excessive activation of the RAA system. Vitamin D deficiency may impair vasodilation and increase vascular resistance during exercise, which puts additional strain on the cardiovascular system. As a result, it may contribute to the development of exercise-induced and chronic arterial hypertension, reducing some of the protective cardiovascular effects normally associated with regular physical activity.
Conclusions. The reviewed findings support the hypothesis that individualized vitamin D3 supplementation can improve endothelial function and provide additional cardiovascular protection in athletes, particularly in terms of blood pressure control. Regular monitoring of 25(OH)D levels and properly adjusted supplementation should therefore become an important part of modern sports cardiology practice.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marta Armula, Claire Bongage, Arkadiusz Piechowiak, Filip Napieraj, Bartosz Przemysław Herc, Małgorzata Tesla, Anna Agnieszka Gąska, Marta Gutkowska, Joanna Jabłońska, Joanna Wasik
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