Overview of vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and immune system in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic period

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world, it is crucial to maintain the body’s immunity so that it does not get infected. Of the many ways to preserve the body’s immunity, exercise and consuming nutrient-rich foods and drinks are two examples. Specifically, vitamin D is one of the nutrients that might boost the immune system. The research methodology used an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional study design, which employed a survey approach to determine the description of vitamin D intake, sun exposure, and the immune system in college students. Research subjects were selected utilizing the total sampling method with a population of 93 college students. Vitamin D intake data were obtained using a 1x24-hour food recall and entered into the NutriSurvey application. Data regarding sun exposure were utilized from the Sunshine Exposure Questionnaire (SEQ), and the immune system assessment was conducted using the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ). The results revealed that the vitamin D intake in college students in the less category was 98.8%, and 1.2% of college students were in the sufficient category. Sun exposure of college students in the low category was 20.2%, the moderate category was 40.4%, and the high category was 39.3%. In addition, college students with a normal immune system were 75.3%, and those with a decreased immune system were 24.7%. In conclusion, only 1.2% of college students had sufficient vitamin D intake, while 98.8% were insufficient. Sun exposure to college students in the high category was 39.3%, 40.4% in the low category, and 20.2% in the low category. College students with a normal immune system comprised 24.7%, less than those with a decreased immune system of 75.3%.