THE EFFECTS OF CHOLECALCIFEROL SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE INFLAMMATORY MARKERS AND MUSCLE DAMAGE INDICES OF SOCCER PLAYERS AFTER A SIMULATED SOCCER MATCH

Background and Aim: Soccer-induced muscle damage and inflammation lead to a reduction in athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation with cholecalciferol would reduce inflammation and muscle damage in soccer players after a simulated soccer match.Methods: Twenty-two soccer players (median age: 27 years, inter-quartile range: 5 years) were divided randomly into two groups, as follows: a cholecalciferol group (n = 11) and a placebo group (n = 11). Cholecalciferol supplements (50,000 IU/week) or placebos were administered to the groups by an independent coworker. After 8 weeks, the athletes participated in a simulated soccer match, and perceived exertion and heart rates were measured during the trial. Blood samples were obtained pre-supplementation, post-supplementation, immediately after, and 2- and 24-h post-exercise for measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6).Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels (53.93, 10.68 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), which is the best indicator of vitamin D levels in the body, with no change in the circulating markers of muscle damage and CRP (p ˃ 0.05) but showed increased IL-6 (P = 0.034). In addition, the ratings of perceived exertion and heart rates were not altered by vitamin D versus placebo ingestion (p = 0.155 vs. p = 0.261; p = 0.600 vs. p = 0.983).Conclusion: The study showed that 50,000 IU/week of cholecalciferol supplementation for eight weeks, increased the 25(OH)D levels, with no effect on muscle damage indices or CRP. However, The IL-6 concentration was generally higher in the intervention group.

Keywords:

: Vitamin D , Inflammation , Soccer , Sport , Dietary Supplements , Muscles