Athletes hate getting colds, but even when training outdoors, don’t get enough health-protecting sunlight in winter. In this study, researchers measured levels of vitamin D and an immune antimicrobial protein called cathelicidin in 225 athletes at the start and end of a 16-week winter training session.
Levels of cathelicidin and infection-fighting capacity were highest in those with optimal vitamin D levels. About half the athletes were low or deficient in vitamin D throughout the study, and developed more upper respiratory tract symptoms compared to those with optimal levels; 20 to 60 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood.
Reference: Exercise Immunology Review; 2013, Vol. 19, 86-101
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