Abstract
Purpose  This study aimed to investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and serum vitamin D levels, as well as injury predisposition, in elite athletes from Kazakhstan. Methods  We recruited 137 elite athletes from Kazakhstan across nine di erent sports. Serum vitamin D levels were meas- ured by Access 25(OH)D Vitamin D Total assay. The VDR gene polymorphisms were identi ed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The association between VDR gene polymorphisms and serum vitamin D levels, as well as injury predisposition, was assessed using statistical methods. Results  Over 60% of the athletes had vitamin D insu ciency, and 30% were de cient. We found a statistically signi cant association between vitamin D status and ethnicity (χ 2  = 10.66, p < 0.01) and age (χ 2  = 7.40, p < 0.05). G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism showed a statistically signi cant association with vitamin D inadequacy in Asians (A/A-A/G vs. G/G, OR  = 6.23, 95% CI 1.65–23.43, p < 0.01). The same G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism showed a statistically signi cant association with increased risk (A/A-AG vs G/G, OR  = 5.56, 95% CI 1.41–21.91, p < 0.01) of injuries in athletes of Asian origin. Conclusion  A high prevalence of insu cient 25-(OH)D levels was observed. Vitamin D insu ciency was associated with ethnicity and age. G/G genotype of VDR TaqI polymorphism is associated with vitamin D insu ciency and increased risk of injuries in athletes of an Asian cohort. These ndings may be useful for the development of personalized targeted approaches for diagnostics, nutrition, and injury prevention strategies.