Vitamin D Deficiency, Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone precursor involved in calcium-phosphate homeostasis, skeletal mineralization and several biological processes relevant to muscle tissue. In sport and physically active populations, vitamin D status is discussed in relation to training location, season, sunlight exposure, muscle strength, recovery, stress fractures and injury prevention. However, the current evidence is heterogeneous, and the effect of supplementation on performance is not uniform across populations. Aim: The aim of this narrative review was to synthesize open-access PubMed-indexed evidence from 2017-2026 concerning vitamin D deficiency, physical activity and musculoskeletal health, with particular attention to athletes, exercise performance, muscle function, bone health and supplementation strategies. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was prepared using articles published from 2017 to 2026 and indexed in PubMed or available through PubMed Central. The included literature comprised narrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and mechanistic studies relevant to vitamin D metabolism, deficiency, physical activity, muscle function, athletic performance and musculoskeletal injury.