We Do Science - The Sports Nutrition Podcast "Vitamin D and the Athlete" with Dr Daniel Owens PhD
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Nov 28, 2020 
Dr Daniel Owens, lecturer and researcher in sport and exercise science focusing on vitamin D and athlete health. He explains why vitamin D is so talked about, how it is produced and measured, and the difference between health maintenance and ergogenic use. Discussion covers risk factors, testing methods, muscle and immune roles, and practical supplementation and sun-exposure guidance.
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Understand Standard Vitamin D Reference Ranges
- Standard vitamin D categories: severely deficient <12.5 nmol/L; deficient 12.5–30; inadequate 30–50; adequate >50 nmol/L.
- Some suggest >75 nmol/L for optimal function, reflecting ongoing debate.
Sun Angle Skin Color And Lifestyle Drive Deficiency Risk
- Major risk factors reduce UVB skin exposure: high latitude, winter season (solar zenith), indoor lifestyle, clothing, sunscreen, and darker skin pigmentation.
- Owens notes even sunny winter days often yield negligible vitamin D due to sun angle.
Adipose And Muscle May Buffer Seasonal Vitamin D
- Body composition may influence vitamin D dynamics: adipose and possibly muscle can store vitamin D and release it with lipolysis or exercise.
- Owens cites rugby player observations with higher winter levels possibly from muscle/fat stores.