Vitamin D Intake and Sun Exposure Among Malaysian Athletes in National Sports Institute, Bukit Jalil

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.