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

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.