Association between physical activity and vitamin D: A narrative literature review

Summary This narrative review of the medical literature assessed whether outdoor and indoor physical activity would increase the plasma levels of vitamin D. Synthesis of this liposoluble vitamin is mainly mediated by sunlight on the skin, where it is activated to perform its main action, which is to control the serum levels of calcium as soon as the element is absorbed in the intestines, assisting in the regulation of bone metabolism. Physical activity is any body movement that results in energy expenditure, while outdoor physical activity refers to physical activity carried out at public parks or other open spaces, as is the case of the popular practice of taking walks. Exercising outdoors would have both the benefits of physical activity and of sun exposure, namely the synthesis of vitamin D. However, according to the studies analyzed, increased plasma concentration of vitamin D occurs with physical activity both indoors and outdoors.Resumo Esta revis ão narrativa da literatura avaliou se tanto a atividade física realizada ao ar livre quanto aquela em ambiente interno aumentariam os níveis plasmáticos da vitamina D. A síntese dessa vitamina lipossolúvel ocorre, principalmente, por meio da radiação solar na pele, que, após sofrer processo de ativação no organismo, estabelece sua principal ação no controle dos níveis séricos do cálcio, assim que é absorvido no trato intestinal, auxiliando na regulação do metabolismo ósseo. Atividade física é qualquer mo...
Source: Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research