Serum vitamin D and body composition in adults undergoing fitness assessments: A correlation study.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 (25(OH)D) in participants who voluntarily participated in a fitness assessment and correlate this with muscular strength, weekly exercise, overall body composition, and dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium. Thirty-six participants were recruited. Anthropometric measurements and handgrip strength were taken with blood analyses completed utilizing 25-hydroxyvitamin D assay. A dietary screening survey was used to assess calcium and vitamin D intake. All data collection was completed at time of assessment appointment. Statistical analyses completed utilized Pearson's and Kendall's Tau correlation, with level of significance set at p < 0.05. Twenty-two percent of our sample were 25(OH)D deficient and 33% 25(OH)D insufficient, with 16% consuming adequate vitamin D and 5% consuming adequate calcium. Eight of the females and one male had below average DXA assessments for bone health. Vitamin D intake was significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels (τ = 0.29, p<0.01). In females there was an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D and weight (r = -0.45, p