Epidemiology
Higher vitamin D is linked to lower Lp(a) in elite athletes, cross-sectional study of 773 (Nutrients 2026)
Original title: Vitamin D Status and Atherogenic Lipid Profiles, Including Lipoprotein(a), in Elite Athletes
Cross-sectional study of 773 male professional athletes across mixed sports (mean age 25.5±5.0 years), examining associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and atherogenic lipids including Lp(a). Higher 25(OH)D was independently associated with lower LDL-C (p=0.028), lower triglycerides (p=0.002) and lower Lp(a) (p=0.036), with no independent association for HDL-C. Athletes with 25(OH)D of 30 ng/mL or more had lower LDL-C, triglycerides and Lp(a) than those below this threshold (all p<0.05), and higher vitamin D status was also associated with greater peak exercise performance (4.29 vs 3.36 W/kg, p<0.001). The authors propose vitamin D status as linked to a more favourable lipid profile in athletes, warranting prospective study of the relationship with lipid metabolism.
Original abstract
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.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.