Dr. Namrita Brooke is a full-time endurance sport coach and sport nutritionist advising active individuals and amateurs to professional athletes. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Movement Sciences and Health at University of West Florida.
Vitamin D is one of those nutrients that touches practically every inch of your body, from muscles and bones to nerves and the immune system. If you want to run strong, keeping an eye on your intake is essential.As a runner, adequate vitamin D lowers your risk for stress fractures and bone breakdown, per a research review in Nutrients. “The main function of vitamin D is to help calcium and phosphorus maintain bone health,” explains Alex McDonald, M.D.
“Often, I recommend 5,000 IU for anyone with levels below 50 and 1,000 to 2,000 IU if levels are just above 50 during the summer or fall,” Jones notes.However, work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find the appropriate dose for you.