Vitamin D Deficiency and Injury Risk During Basic Military Training in the Maltese Armed Forces

Background Military recruits undertake intense loads of physical training as part of their recruitment to reach a physical level compatible with their line of duties. This training is often conducted over a short time span and complicated by injuries and premature recruit discharge. Identification of risk factors that could decrease the risk of injuries is ideal. Objectives The present study aimed at correlating pre-recruitment vitamin D levels to injury risk during basic military training in a group of recruits. Methods A total of 90 recruits commencing their basic military training were invited to participate in the study. The cohort comprised 81 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 22.6. All acute and gradual onset musculoskeletal injuries as well as medical ailments were recorded using the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System. Injuries and medical ailments were analyzed for associations with vitamin D levels. Recruits were grouped according to their serum vitamin D levels into deficient, insufficient, or sufficient as per the Endocrine Society range guidelines. Results A total of 34 (26.2%) recruits sustained at least 1 injury during the course of their basic military training. Vitamin D level as well as vitamin D status was not associated with injury risk although weak rejection of association with leg injuries and vitamin D insufficiency status was noted (P = 0.057). A total of 60% of recruits were identified as being vitamin D deficient or as having insufficient vitamin D levels. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are relatively common in areas with high mean sunlight exposure and should be considered in individuals who might otherwise be at risk. Further studies are recommended in the military using larger populations and possibly focusing on leg injuries.