Vitamin D’s Proposed Role in COVID-19 and the Management of Athletes
The resumption of professional sports has cast a spotlight on the relationship between athletes and COVID-19. This session will review the current literature on this relationship, including clarifying the impact of COVID-19 on athletes and discussing immunology of vitamin D that may impact prevention of COVID-19 in athletes. Speakers will use the current evidence base to recommend vitamin D dosing strategies for athletes who have tested positive and determine methods for incorporating recovering athletes into a return-to-play protocol. Speakers will also outline a team-based approach to providing athlete care in an NCAA Division 1 setting.
Planned with the Committee for Lifelong Learning
Learning Objectives:
- Relate the metabolic functions of vitamin D to proposed prophylactic, immunoregulatory, and neuroprotective effects of vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19
- Develop evidence-based nutrition strategies for athletes to mitigate health risks associated with COVID-19
- Recommend nutrition guidelines for incorporation into return-to-play protocols for athletes diagnosed with COVID-19
Performance Indicators:
- 10.2.5 Develops nutrition prescription to communicate required food and nutrient needs.
- 6.2.3 Interprets data to make recommendations and to inform decisions.
- 8.3.6 Keeps abreast of current nutrition and dietetics knowledge and trends.
Caroline Mandel, MS, RD, CSSD,
Director of Performance Nutrition, University of Michigan Athletics
University of Michigan Athletics
Amy Powell, MD, FACP, FAMSSM
Team Physician, University of Utah Associate Professor, Dept of Orthopaedics Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept of Medicine
University of Utah