Research shows that people living in big cities have a higher chance of vitamin D deficiency caused by air pollution
Over the years, science proves what we already intuitively know - spending time in nature is good for our health. However, research also shows that it is important where we are in nature. For example, a walk in the park located right next to our apartment or house will not be as useful as a walk in nature far from the city, and the reason for this is air pollution.
A review of 74 scientific papers linking air pollution and smoking showed their significant impact on the production and metabolism of vitamin D. The results show that polluted air as well as tobacco smoke can lead to vitamin D deficiency in the body.
How does air pollution affect vitamin D levels?
We know that vitamin D is produced in our body after exposure to sunlight. Moderate exposure to the sun's rays during midday creates enough vitamin D for the average person. Air pollution, especially caused by ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide or benzene, is responsible for reduced vitamin D synthesis, says Research. Air pollution is greater during the winter months when the intensity of the sun's rays reaching us is naturally reduced.
Since such a layer of pollutants blocks sunlight, less UVB rays reach our skin and the synthesis of vitamin D decreases. Research carried out in Kuwait lasted four years, and served as an explanation for why the local population has only 20 percent of adults and 4 percent of adolescents showing satisfactory levels of vitamin D.
What the experts advise is to visit sunny places that are not close to a big city, or even better, to move out of the city to places with more sunny days. But also to replace the lack of vitamin D SUNBAKING. Vitamin D deficiency, just like air pollution, is a global problem and it is estimated that about 40 percent of Americans, 30 to 60 percent of Europeans (depending on the part of Europe) and 80 percent of the population of the Middle East suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
Are you often sick?
One of the most important roles of vitamin D is keeping your immune system strong so that it can fight against viruses and bacteria that cause disease. It directly interacts with the cells responsible for fighting infection. If you often get colds or the flu, low levels of vitamin D may be a contributing factor. Several studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory system infection such as colds, bronchitis and pneumonia.
You feel tired. Research have shown that very low levels of vitamin D in the blood can cause fatigue, which can have a serious negative effect on quality of life.
Bone and back pain. Great research they found a link between deficiency and chronicity lower back pain. One Research involving 98 people with low back pain found that increased pain intensity was associated with lower levels of vitamin D. Other studies also found that people with arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic widespread pain tended to have lower vitamin D levels than people without those conditions.
Depressed mood. Researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency with depression, especially in older adults. In one analysis, 65 % observational studies found a link between low blood vitamin D levels and depression. On the other side, most control trials, which have more scientific weight than observational studies, did not show a link between them.
Slow wound healing. Vitamin D it increases the production of compounds that are crucial for the formation of new skin as part of the wound healing process. One review of four studies found that vitamin D deficiency impairs certain aspects of healing in people who have had dental surgery. Those with severe vitamin D deficiency were found to be more likely to have higher level of inflammatory markers which can jeopardize healing. One study involving 60 people with diabetes-related foot ulcers found that taking a vitamin D supplement for 12 weeks significantly improved wound healing compared to a control group.
Loss of bone mass. Low bone mineral density is an indication that your bones have lost calcium and other minerals. Because of this, older adults, especially women, are exposed increased risk of fracture.
Hair loss. Research suggest that they are low vitamin D levels associated with alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for the development of the disease.
Muscle pain. Vitamin D can be involved in the body's pain signaling pathways, which could play a role in chronic pain. In one study, 71 % people with chronic pain were found to be vitamin D deficient.
Gaining weight. One longitudinal Research that included men and women found a possible link between low vitamin D status and abdominal fat and increased weight. However, this research has shown that such effects are more pronounced in men.
Anxiety. According to one examination, vitamin D3 levels were found to be lower in people with anxiety, as well as in people with depression. Separately research on pregnant women found that vitamin D levels can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and possibly help prevent postpartum depression.
