If asked about the kinds of protection that NFL players use on the football field, many people would bring up helmets, shoulder pads, cups, cleats and padded clothing. But did you know that some scientists think that vitamin supplements might be a potential bit of protective gear as well?

New research has suggested that vitamin D insufficiencies are associated with a higher likelihood for muscle injuries among professional football players. This finding was recently presented before the Annual Meeting of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Scientists at the Summit Medical Group estimated that 80 percent of athletes in their study had too little vitamin D in their blood. Furthermore, football players who had suffered muscular tears, sprains or bruises often had the lowest levels.

All told, 27 players were vitamin D deficient, and another 45 had insufficiencies, the team noted.

“Screening [for] and treatment of vitamin D insufficiency in professional athletes may be a simple way to help prevent injuries,” said Dr. Scott Rodeo, the study’s lead author. He added that more inquiry should be made into the potential connection between vitamin D intake and muscle health.