ABSTRACT
Introduction: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the physical health as well as the performance of athletes. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to determine vitamin D intake, sun exposure and skin types of both indoor and outdoor Malaysian athletes in the National Sports Institute, Bukit Jalil. Method: A total of 28 indoor (badminton, shooting, wushu and fencing) and 36 outdoor (athletics, football and hockey) athletes were recruited for this study. The dietary vitamin D intake was estimated using Vitamin D-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The Sun Exposure Index (SEI) was calculated from Seven-day Sun Exposure Record while the skin types of athletes were determined using Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 21.02±4.11 years and their mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.20±2.22 kg/m2. The mean body fat percentage of outdoor athletes was significantly lower than indoor athletes (p<0.001). Forty two athletes (65.6%) met the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) value for vitamin D and the outdoor athletes had significantly greater amount of vitamin D intake compared to RNI (p<0.05) and the indoor athletes (p<0.05). The indoor athletes spent significantly less time outdoor per day (p<0.05) and had lower SEI per day (p<0.05) than outdoor athletes. Most of the indoor athletes (53.6%) had type II of Fitzpatrick skin type while the outdoor athletes (47.2%) had type III of Fitzpatrick skin type. Conclusion: The outdoor athletes had higher intake of vitamin D and more sun exposure than indoor athletes. There is a need to ensure the adequacy intake of vitamin D among indoor athletes.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women aged 20 to 40 years and its association with iron intake. Methods: A total of 388 women were recruited from universities and work sites in Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs. The subjects comprised 135 Malays, 130 Chinese and 123 Indians. Dietary intake was estimated using a single 24-hour food recall and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. HAemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin were determinated. Results: The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <12g/dL) was 20.9%,being highest among the Indians (26.4%) and lowest among the Malays (16.4%). About 10.3% of the women showed iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) (Hb<12g/dL + serum ferritin <15mg/L + MCV < 80fl/). The prevalence of IDA was highest in Indians (18.0%) followed by Chinese (9.9%) and Malays (4.3%). The mean (95% CI) intake of total iron was at 14.4mg/day (95% CI 13.4, 15.5), amounting to 49.7% of the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Intake of Iron was the highest for the Indians (16.0mg/d) and the lowest for the Chinese (11.3mg/d). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of IDA was lower compared to prevalence of anaemia. Nonetheless, the markedly higher prevalence of IDA among the Indians, despite relatively higher intake levels of iron-rich foods warrants further investigations, including the bioavailability of iron in the context of cultural practices that may influence food preferences and meal preparation