The D-BIICEP Study

Summary

Athletes and active individuals have been identified as an at-risk group for a low vitamin D status, specifically those residing in countries of higher latitude (such as the United Kingdom). This especially applies to those who train indoors for their sport, this is because Vitamin D is primarily produced following skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of optimal bone and musculoskeletal health. It has also been suggested to play a role in the prevention of illness incidence, such as in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). More recent research has indicated that an improved Vitamin D status may also play a role in enhancing exercise performance. Therefore, having a poor vitamin D status could negatively impact athletic training and competition. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in university athletes and inactive controls in spring and autumn.

During this study the subjects will be asked to visit the labs on two occasions, at the beginning of the study for baseline measurements, and again on two occasions at the end of the study. Participants will have the following outcomes assessed: Sport performance (vertical jump height, muscular strength and aerobic fitness), peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) scan of the bone mineral composition of the tibia, total body composition via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA),total and hip/femoral head bone mineral density and content to assess fracture risk via DEXA. Serum 25(OH)D levels (≈15ml of whole blood will be collected for these measurements. Dietary intake using self-reported food diaries. In addition illness and injury incidence will be recorded daily throughout the study in a booklet provided to the participants.Throughout the trial, the participants will be contacted via telephone/ email on a monthly basis to discuss any issues and maintain good communication.

Conditions

• Vitamin D Deficiency

Interventions

RADIATION

DEXA

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA): a total of two scans will be performed, one for the assessment of whole body bone mineral density and body composition, and the other scan is performed to specifically assess fracture risk by scanning the hip and femoral head. Effective exposure doses for these scans are \~8uSv and \~4uSv respectively.

RADIATION

pQCT

A total of one scan will be performed on the non-dominant Tibia, the effective exposure dose will be between 1.5-1.8uSV.

OTHER

Lifestyle Questionnaire

Participants are required to record their lifestyle, diet (5-day self reported), physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire), injury and illness incidence.

OTHER

Aerobic Fitness

Aerobic fitness will be tested using a VO2 max exercise protocol using a stationary cycle ergometer, the participants will be expected to perform this to maximal effort or exhaustion.

OTHER

Muscular Strength

Muscular strength of the knee extensor and handgrip muscles will be determined using an Isokinetic Dynamometer and a handgrip dynamometer respectively.

BIOLOGICAL

Blood draw and finger prick test

15ml of whole blood will be collected for the measurement of fasting serum 25(OH)D levels, parathyroid hormone, C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and full blood count

OTHER

Muscular Power

Muscular power will be determined using an optical measurement system consisting of a transmitting and receiving bar to determine jump height through the interpretation of jump flight of the participant (reported in cm). The equipment used is an Optojump.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Surrey

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Susan Lanham-New, Ph.D · Head, Department of Nutritional Scienes

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-02-01

Primary Completion

2018-07-01

Completion

2018-07-01

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations