Abstract
Muscle is one of the main targets for the biological effects of vitamin D. This hormone modulates several functions of skeletal muscles, from development to tissue repair after injury, through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation seem to significantly affect muscle strength in different populations, including athletes, although optimal serum 25(OH)D3 level for sport performance has not been defined so far. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency results in myopathy characterized by fast-twitch fiber atrophy, fatty infiltration, and fibrosis. However, less is known about regenerative effects of vitamin D supplementation after sport-related muscle injuries. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is particularly expressed in the embryonic mesoderm during intrauterine life and in satellite cells at all stages of life for recovery of the skeletal muscle after injury. Vitamin D supplementation enhances muscle differentiation, growth, and regeneration by increasing the expression of myogenic factors in satellite cells. The objective of this narrative review is to describe the role of vitamin D in sport-related muscle injury and tissue regeneration.
Highlights
Less is known about regenerative effects of vitamin D supplementation after sport-related muscle injuries
Thousands of vitamin D-responsive genes were identified, many of which are key players in skeletal muscle health being involved in protein synthesis and muscle performance [5]
Muscle cells exposed to 1α,25(OH)2D3 increased oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, while no effect was reported by administrating 25(OH)D3
Summary
The striated muscle represents about 40% of the total body mass and is critical for the posture and global and selective body movements [23]. Due to its characteristics as an organ that produces and responds to various substances present in the blood circulation, the muscle is identified as an endocrine organ [29] It modifies its structural and functional features in response, for example, to changes in the serum levels of insulin, GH (growth hormone), glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D [1,30,31,32,33]. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on the skeletal muscle depend on other mechanisms that significantly affect muscle microarchitecture and physical performance This hormone inhibits the differentiation of myogenic precursors into adipocytes limiting the accumulation of intra- and intermuscular fat [41]. 1α,25-(OH)2D3 increased the expression of follistatin (FST), an inhibitor of myostatin, and reduced the expression of myostatin in satellite cells [39]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
