Vitamin D Inadequacy and Musculoskeletal  Symptoms in Elite Albanian Athletes

Irida Ikonomi-Hoxha; Silvi Bozo; Eftiola Pojani; Dhurata Bozo; Angela Andreoli; Bertina Hoxha-Lami

doi:10.56345/ijrdv13n223

Authors

Irida Ikonomi-Hoxha Department of Medical Technical Science, “Aleksander Moisiu” University, Durrës, Albania
Silvi Bozo Department of Chemical-Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
Eftiola Pojani Department of Chemical-Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
Dhurata Bozo Department of Health and Physical Activity, Sport University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
Angela Andreoli Department of System Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy 5Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
Bertina Hoxha-Lami Department of Health and Physical Activity, Sport University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv13n223

Keywords:

vitamin D inadequacy, musculoskeletal symptoms, fatigue, muscle pain, clinical screening

Abstract

Symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, and pain are widespread among athletes and may be associated with nutritional factors, particularly vitamin D status. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and musculoskeletal symptoms among athletes, as well as to examine serum calcium levels in relation to vitamin D status. A total of 102 athletes were included in this cross-sectional study conducted from October to December 2025. Serum 25(OH)D and calcium concentrations were measured, and vitamin D status was classified according to predefined laboratory thresholds. Vitamin D inadequacy occurred in 50% of the subjects, whereas serum calcium levels were within the normal range in the majority of participants. Subjects experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms demonstrated significantly higher frequencies of vitamin D inadequacy compared with those without symptoms (59.4% vs 34.2%, p = 0.024). In a multivariable analysis, musculoskeletal symptoms were associated with vitamin D inadequacy. No strong association was observed between serum 25(OH)D and calcium concentrations. The frequency of vitamin D inadequacy among athletes was high and was significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, after considering age group, sex, and body mass index ( BMI ). Normal calcium levels should not be interpreted as evidence of adequate vitamin D status.

Received: 20 February 2026 │ Accepted: 10 June 2026 │ Published: 23 July 2026