Can Supplementation of Vitamin D Improve Aerobic Capacity in Well Trained Youth Soccer Players?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent research indicates that a significant percentage of athletes, particularly those training in higher latitudes or indoors, exhibit suboptimal vitamin D levels. This prevalence has prompted scientific inquiry into whether correcting this deficiency can enhance athletic performance, including aerobic capacity, in specific populations like well-trained youth soccer players.

Quick Summary

This content explores whether vitamin D supplementation boosts aerobic capacity in young soccer players. Evidence is mixed, with potential moderate benefits observed in deficient individuals, though consistent training remains the primary driver of performance improvements.

Key Points

Prevalence of Deficiency: A high proportion of athletes, particularly youth soccer players training indoors or during winter, have insufficient vitamin D levels.
Moderate Performance Benefit: Vitamin D supplementation can offer a moderate, positive effect on aerobic capacity (e.g., VO2max) in deficient youth soccer players, but it is not a primary driver of performance compared to training.
Mechanisms of Action: Vitamin D supports muscle function through its role in calcium regulation, muscle protein synthesis, and potentially by increasing oxygen binding affinity to hemoglobin.
Importance of Baseline Status: Supplementation benefits are most pronounced in athletes who start with a vitamin D deficiency. For players with already sufficient levels, the performance gains are less clear.
Clinical Guidance Needed: All athletes should have their vitamin D levels tested before starting a supplementation protocol, and any supplementation decisions should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Training is Key: The positive effects of vitamin D are supportive; intense and consistent training remains the fundamental element for improving aerobic capacity in well-trained athletes.
Injury Prevention: Adequate vitamin D levels are linked to a reduced risk of musculoskeletal injuries, which helps maintain training consistency and overall performance.

The Physiological Role of Vitamin D in Athletic Performance

Vitamin D plays a role in athletic performance beyond bone health, potentially impacting aerobic capacity. Vitamin D receptors (VDR) in skeletal muscle tissue are involved in processes affecting muscle performance. Deficiency has been linked to muscle fiber atrophy, and adequate levels correlate with improved calcium uptake in muscles, enhancing contractility and strength.

Its potential effects on aerobic metabolism involve influences on enzymes containing heme proteins, which might affect oxygen binding to hemoglobin and thus oxygen transport. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties may also aid recovery and reduce illness, indirectly benefiting performance.

Scientific Findings on Supplementation and Aerobic Capacity

Studies on vitamin D supplementation and aerobic capacity in youth soccer players and other athletes show mixed results. Some research suggests benefits, while others find effects are moderate, particularly in individuals who are not deficient initially. This suggests that correcting a deficiency is key for performance benefits.

Factors Influencing Vitamin D Status in Athletes

Several factors contribute to low vitamin D levels in athletes:

Geographic Latitude: Less sun exposure in higher latitudes, especially in winter.
Training Environment: Indoor training reduces sun exposure.
Skin Pigmentation: Darker skin requires more sun for vitamin D synthesis.
Seasonality: Levels are lowest in winter.
Dietary Intake: Limited natural sources mean diets may be insufficient.

Comparing Research on Vitamin D and Performance


Study	Subjects	Intervention	Aerobic Capacity Measure	Key Findings
Jastrzębska et al. (2018)	Youth soccer players (n=36) with initial deficiency	8 weeks of Vitamin D3 vs. placebo	VO2max, PWC170	Supplemented group showed improvements in VO2max and PWC170. Effect was noted as moderate compared to the impact of training.
Scholten et al. (2024)	Youth club soccer athletes (n=42)	Cross-sectional study during winter season	Vmax (maximal velocity), cardiorespiratory fitness tests	No significant association found between baseline vitamin D status and physical performance measures.
Michalczyk et al. (2022)	Young male soccer players (n=25)	8 weeks of Vitamin D vs. placebo	VO2max	Aerobic capacity was improved in the supplementation group, alongside muscular strength/power changes.
Weiss et al. (2022)	Narrative review of literature	Synthesis of existing studies	Aerobic capacity	Concluded that the therapeutic impact of vitamin D on aerobic capacity remains controversial.

The table highlights the variability in research, influenced by study design, athlete characteristics, and performance metrics.

Recommendations for Youth Soccer Players

Supplementation for youth soccer players depends on individual vitamin D status. Correcting a deficiency may support overall health and performance. For those with sufficient levels, benefits are less clear compared to the impact of training.

Recommendations:

Get Tested: Assess baseline vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels via a blood test.
Consult a Professional: Discuss supplementation with a healthcare provider.
Prioritize Training: High-intensity training is crucial for aerobic capacity. Supplementation is supportive.
Consider Sun Exposure: Safe sun exposure can naturally boost levels.

Conclusion: A Supportive Role, Not a Performance Guarantee

Vitamin D supplementation's impact on aerobic capacity in well-trained youth soccer players is not definitively proven. Evidence suggests moderate benefits for deficient athletes, alongside reduced injury risk and improved muscle function. However, training remains the primary factor for improving aerobic capacity. Best practices involve testing for deficiency, supplementing under medical guidance if necessary, and focusing on diet and training. Optimizing vitamin D can support potential, but it's not a shortcut to fitness. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on aerobic capacity in soccer players

How does vitamin D affect muscle function?

Vitamin D receptors in skeletal muscle cells help regulate muscle protein synthesis and calcium transport, which is essential for muscle contraction. Correcting a deficiency can improve strength and reduce fatigue.

What are considered optimal vitamin D levels for athletes?

While sufficiency is often defined by standard clinical ranges, some researchers suggest that athletes may benefit from levels that are within or at the higher end of the normal range for peak musculoskeletal performance.

Are youth soccer players at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Yes. Factors like training indoors, low sunlight exposure in winter, and geographic location can place young athletes at high risk for low vitamin D status.

What is VO2max and how does it relate to aerobic capacity?

VO2max measures the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise and is the gold standard for measuring aerobic capacity. Some studies correlate adequate vitamin D levels with potentially improved VO2max values, especially in deficient athletes.

Should athletes consider vitamin D supplementation?

Athletes with confirmed vitamin D deficiency may benefit from supplementation. The appropriate approach should be discussed with a healthcare professional based on individual needs and test results.

Can supplementation overcome the effects of poor training?

No. While vitamin D can support muscle and immune function, the primary driver for improved aerobic capacity in youth soccer players is consistent and well-structured high-intensity training. Supplementation is a supportive measure, not a replacement for training.

Should all youth soccer players take vitamin D supplements?

No. A blanket recommendation is inappropriate. Athletes should be tested for a deficiency first. Supplementation is most beneficial for those with insufficient or deficient levels, especially during periods of low sun exposure.

What are the best natural sources of vitamin D?

Sunlight exposure is the main natural source. Dietary sources include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fish liver oils, fortified foods (milk, cereal), and egg yolks.

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