Ali Galzki ’10

Vitamin D status in division III male cross country runners: a follow-up study

The serum vitamin D (25hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]) levels of Saint John's cross country runners were tested twice during the season.  Serum 25(OH)D3 levels decreased in 24 athletes (77.4%) from September to December, but the differences were not significant. Only one athlete had lower than the optimal 75 nmol/L in December.  Last year 38% (14/37) of athletes had lower than optimal serum vitamin D levels despite adequate dietary intake of vitamin D on average. The improved vitamin D status this year is likely due to milder temperatures which permitted athletes to run outside all season and changes in diet and supplement use in response to feedback given last year.  There was little correlation between vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D3 levels, but diet plays a slightly more important role in maintaining serum levels in December when exposure from UVB light is decreased compared to September.

Ali Galzki presenting her research at Northland Chapter of the American College of Sports Nutrition, April 2010

Ali Galzki (with Mani Campos, Biology) presenting her research at Scholarship and Creativity Day April 28, 2010

To view Poster, click on link below:

 Vitamin D status in division III male cross country runners: a follow-up study

Research Advisors: Amy Olson, PhD, RDN, LD and Manuel Campos, PhD, Biology