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Quality in Sport

The Vitamin D and its impact on musculoskeletal system and endurance among athletes – a narrative review of literature
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The Vitamin D and its impact on musculoskeletal system and endurance among athletes – a narrative review of literature

Authors

  • Magdalena Grzymek The University Hospital in Krakow, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4337-0261
  • Joanna Kadłuczka Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital in Cracow, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9347-0767
  • Makary Hejduk Independent Public Health Care Facility in Myślenice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7579-4471
  • Aleksandra Papuga Independent Public Health Care Facility in Myślenice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6851-7102
  • Aleksandra Pawłucka St. John Grande Hospital of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6765-9314
  • Katarzyna Kraska Medical Center in Łańcut Sp. z o.o., Łańcut, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0464-6826
  • Katarzyna Pawłucka Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4273-6599
  • Justyna Bury Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4778-2375
  • Jan Potoniec Gabriel Narutowicz Municipal Specialist Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5282-7833
  • Aneta Sobek Medical Center in Łańcut Sp. z o.o., Łańcut, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6759-5419
  • Weronika Kępa Independent Researcher, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8378-9681

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.65.73723

Keywords

vitamin d, anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal system, athletes, muscle recovery

Abstract

Background. Vitamin D is known as a crucial molecule in bone metabolism and optimal bone forming process. Naturally is activated by sun radiation in skin and then hydrolysed in the liver and kidneys. The risk of deficient or insufficient level of the active metabolite is depended on geographic altitude, skin colour and inadequate supplementation. The athlete’s population are prone to lower level of this vitamin. Traditionally has been recognized for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism; however, increasing evidence indicates that it also plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle function. Skeletal muscle is now considered an important target tissue for vitamin D action due to the presence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) within muscle fibers. Through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms, vitamin D influences muscle development, contractility, regeneration, and overall physical performance. Consequently, adequate vitamin D status is essential not only for maintaining skeletal integrity but also for optimizing muscle function and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. 

References

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Quality in Sport

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Published

2026-07-19

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GRZYMEK, Magdalena, KADŁUCZKA, Joanna, HEJDUK, Makary, PAPUGA, Aleksandra, PAWŁUCKA, Aleksandra, KRASKA, Katarzyna, PAWŁUCKA, Katarzyna, BURY, Justyna, POTONIEC, Jan, SOBEK, Aneta and KĘPA, Weronika. The Vitamin D and its impact on musculoskeletal system and endurance among athletes – a narrative review of literature. Quality in Sport. Online. 19 July 2026. Vol. 65, p. 73723. [Accessed 24 July 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.65.73723.
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Vol. 65 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Magdalena Grzymek, Joanna Kadłuczka, Makary Hejduk, Aleksandra Papuga, Aleksandra Pawłucka, Katarzyna Kraska, Katarzyna Pawłucka, Justyna Bury, Jan Potoniec, Aneta Sobek, Weronika Kępa

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