Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes.
V, G., A, M., J, S., P, B., S, S., & P, B. (2026). Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes.. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18122013
V G, A M, J S, P B, S S, P B. Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes.. Nutrients. 2026; doi: 10.3390/nu18122013
V G, A M, J S, et al. Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes.[J]. Nutrients. 2026. DOI: 10.3390/nu18122013.
@article{v2026,
author = {Groesser V and Most A and Sedighi J and Böttger P and Sossalla S and Bauer P},
title = {Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes.},
journal = {Nutrients},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.3390/nu18122013},
note = {PMID: 42356399},
}
TY - JOUR AU - Groesser V AU - Most A AU - Sedighi J AU - Böttger P AU - Sossalla S AU - Bauer P TI - Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes. T2 - Nutrients PY - 2026 DO - 10.3390/nu18122013 AN - PMID:42356399 ER -
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D has been implicated in lipid metabolism, but data regarding its association with atherogenic lipoproteins in elite athletes remain limited. Elite athletes represent a unique research model to investigate these associations with reduced confounding from obesity, chronic disease, smoking, and physical inactivity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 773 male professional athletes from mixed sports disciplines (mean age 25.5 ± 5.0 years). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], were assessed. Associations were analyzed using correlation analyses, subgroup comparisons according to predefined 25(OH)D categories (<30, 30-50, and >50 ng/mL), and multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, body mass index, season, and training-related variables. Results: Higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated with lower LDL-C (p = 0.028), triglyceride (p = 0.002), and Lp(a) concentrations (p = 0.036), whereas no independent association was observed with HDL-C (p = 0.559). Athletes with 25(OH)D concentrations ≥30 ng/mL demonstrated lower LDL-C, triglyceride, and Lp(a) levels compared with athletes below this threshold (all p < 0.05). Higher vitamin D status was additionally associated with greater peak exercise performance (4.29 ± 1.15 vs. 3.36 ± 0.68 W/kg; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated with a more favorable lipid profile in elite athletes, including lower LDL-C, triglyceride, and Lp(a) concentrations. Prospective studies are warranted to further investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and lipid metabolism in athletic populations.