In humans, most free tryptophan is degraded via kynurenine pathways into kynurenines. Kynurenines modulate the immune system, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Consequently, kynurenine pathway metabolites (KPMs) have been studied in the context of exercise. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on exercise-induced changes in KPMs has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on KPMs and tryptophan levels in runners after an ultramarathon. In the study, 35 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: vitamin D supplementation group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16); and control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Kynurenic, xanthurenic, quinolinic, and picolinic acids levels were significantly increased after the run in the control group, but the effect was blunted by vitamin D supplementation. Conversely, the decrease in serum tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine levels immediately after the run was more pronounced in the supplemented group than in the control. The 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine levels were significantly increased in both groups after the run. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation affects ultramarathon-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism.

Department of Gymnastics and Dance Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport Kazimierza Gorskiego 1 80 336 Gdansk Poland

Faculty of Health Sciences Łomża State University of Applied Science Akademicka 14 18 400 Lomza Poland

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz Sterlinga 26 90 212 Lodz Poland

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University 162 52 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Physical Education Kazimierz Wielki University Jana Karola Chodkiewicza 30 85 064 Bydgoszcz Poland

Medical Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise Faculty of Health Sciences Medical University of Gdansk Dębinki 1 80 211 Gdansk Poland

Orto Med Sport 28 Pulku Strzelcow Kaniowskich 45 90 640 Lodz Poland

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Vitamin D Supplementation Influences Ultramarathon-Induced Changes in Serum Amino Acid Levels, Tryptophan/Branched-Chain Amino Acid Ratio, and Arginine/Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Ratio