Vitamin D Intake and Sun Exposure Among Malaysian Athletes in National Sports Institute, Bukit Jalil
- Author:
LW Leong
;
2SP Loh
;
A Neng Azhanie
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Vitamin D intake, sun exposure, Fitzpatrick skin type, atheletes
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2013;9(1):21-28
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
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.
- Full text:P020150605319449349305.pdf
