@article{ref1,
title="Characterization of skeletal parameters in a cohort of North Italian rugby players",
journal="Journal of endocrinological investigation",
year="2014",
author="Caroli, B. and Pasin, F. and Aloe, R. and Gnocchi, C. and Dei Cas, A. and Galli, C. and Passeri, G.",
volume="37",
number="7",
pages="609-617",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population and may impair skeletal muscle function. Very few data are available regarding this condition in professional athletes. <br><br>AIM: To evaluate some skeletal parameters and in particular serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in professional rugby players during two different sunlight exposure times (October and early April) and to assess its impact on bone metabolism. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male healthy professional rugby players living in northern Italy at latitude of 44°55'N (age 24.6 ± 4.3 years; height 182.0 ± 0.05 cm; mass 96.3 ± 14.6 kg; BMI 28.9 ± 3.7 kg/m(2)) participated in this observational study. During 2012/2013 Italian rugby season, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, PTH and other related biochemical parameters were monitored. Dietary calcium intake and body composition by DXA were also evaluated. <br><br>RESULTS: Significant changes were observed between October and April data for 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration (22.8 ± 5.8 vs. 19.1 ± 5.3 ng/ml; p = 0.001) whereas serum PTH, calcium and phosphorus plasma levels did not change. They presented with an appropriate daily intake of calcium (1,304.8 ± 477.9 mg; max 1,939 mg; min 228 mg). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Professional rugby athletes practicing a sport characterized by intense outdoor training and with good calcium intake are at higher risk of hypovitaminosis D that worsens significantly during times of low cutaneous vitamin D production. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether an appropriate supplementation with cholecalciferol in professional athletes is needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0391-4097",
doi="10.1007/s40618-014-0070-0",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40618-014-0070-0"
}