FokI Polymorphism of the VDR Gene Is Associated with Vitamin D Insufficiency in Elite Male Power Athletes of Kazakhstan
Gabdulkayum A. Amangeldikyzy S. Yerezhepov A. Khassanova S. Akilzhanov K.R. Kozhamkulov U. Rakhimova S. Kairov U. Akilzhanova A. Yerezhepov D.
October 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Nutrients
2025#17Issue 20
Background/Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between VDR gene variants and vitamin D levels in elite male power athletes of Kazakhstan. Methods: We recruited 92 elite male power athletes of Kazakhstan. Concentrations of serum 25(OH)D were measured with the Access 25(OH) Vitamin D Total Assay on the Unicel Dxl 800 Access Immunoassay System. Gene polymorphisms were determined by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) allelic discrimination assay using TaqMan™ probes. Results: Vitamin D insufficiency was registered in 63% of athletes. Age (χ2 = 6.83, p < 0.01), BMI (χ2 = 6.83, p < 0.01), and sport experience (χ2 = 4.44, p < 0.04) showed a statistically significant association with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency (age, χ2 = 7.93, p < 0.01; BMI, χ2 = 5.11, p < 0.03; sport experience, χ2 = 6.19, p = 0.01). The A/A genotype of the VDR FokI polymorphism (rs2228570) showed a strong correlation with vitamin D insufficiency (G/G-G/A vs. A/A, OR = 9.25, 95% CI = 2.01–42.51, p < 0.01) but not deficiency. Conclusions: Our study reveals a significant prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among elite male power athletes of Kazakhstan. Age, BMI, and sport experience are essential factors in developing personalized strategies to address vitamin D insufficiency. The A/A genotype of the VDR FokI polymorphism can be used as a potential biomarker for vitamin D inadequacy in elite male power athletes of Kazakhstan.
power athletes , VDR FokI polymorphism , vitamin D deficiency , vitamin D receptor
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Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
The National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
The National Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Almaty, 020000, Kazakhstan
Department of Medicine, Semey Medical University, Pavlodar Branch, Pavlodar, 140000, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine
The National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation
Department of Biotechnology
The National Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Department of Medicine
Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
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