Knowledge Regarding Vitamin D Among Private University Students in Malaysia

Background: Vitamin D is known as the sunlight vitamin which mainly helps in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. It is estimated that one billion people have vitamin D deficiency and it is considered as a public health problem. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge among students regarding vitamin D and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 private university students using self- administered questionnaires regarding vitamin D Knowledge on aspects of vitamin D sources, health benefits, factors of vitamin D deficiency and recommended intakes and some others. Results: Females were more predominant in this study (69.4 %). Most students are aware and have good knowledge regarding vitamin D with male having a higher knowledge compared to female. Besides that, 69% of them agreed that vitamin D main source is the sun. only 11.1 % know the correct answer regarding the recommended daily dosage of vit. D which is 600 IU per day. Conclusion: Results acquired have shown some understanding towards the insight of vitamin D among university students. Implementing campaigns and future health programs to the public helps building more awareness and knowledge about vitamin D importance.