The effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone health of male Jockeys.

The research aims to investigate the impact of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the bone health of young male jockeys, who often restrict their calorie intake from their mid-to-late teens. Results show that while these supplements can positively affect bone metabolism, longer-term use or higher doses may be necessary for substantial changes in bone properties.

Research Objectives and Methodology

The research study was conducted as a six-month randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The participants, divided into two groups, were apprentice male jockeys. They were supplemented daily with either 800mg of calcium and 400IU of vitamin D or a placebo.

• The research aimed to investigate if calcium and vitamin D supplementation could improve bone turnover markers and non-weight bearing bone properties in young male jockeys, given their frequent self-enforced calorie restrictions.
• Two main markers were assessed: blood vitamin D levels and the CTX (C-telopeptide of type I collagen), which is a marker for bone resorption or the breakdown of bone. P1NP (Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide), a marker for bone formation, was also evaluated.
• Bone properties were examined at the ultra-distal and proximal radius using pQCT (peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography).

Research Findings

The research showed that the group who received supplements had higher levels of vitamin D and lower levels of CTX. However, there were no observed differences in the P1NP levels.

• This shows that supplementation resulted in increased vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health, and a reduction in bone breakdown as evident from the lower CTX levels.
• No differences observed in the P1NP marker indicates that bone formation did not significantly differ between the supplemented and placebo groups.
• In terms of bone properties, including trabecular or cortical bone structures at the 4% and 66% sites, no significant disparities were observed between the supplemented and placebo groups post-intervention.

Conclusions and Future Directions

While this study is the first to examine the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in improving non-weight bearing bone properties in a young male athletic population, the results indicate positive alterations to bone metabolism.

• However, for the detectable changes in bone material properties at the radius, prolonged supplementation or a higher dosage appears to be required.
• These findings warrant further examination of such interventions, particularly with athletes who engage in weight-restriction.