Modulatory Effects of Vitamin D: A Possible Approach to Mitigate Air Pollution Related Pregnancy Complications
Journal of Reproduction & Infertility Volume (25) issue (2) PDF is behind a paywall
Approximately 99% of people on the planet breathe air that exceeds the World Health Organization’s permitted threshold for pollution.
South Asia is home to the world's most polluted cities.
Population-based studies have suggested that women's reproductive health outcomes are worsening due to air pollution.
- Preeclampsia,
- miscarriage,
- gestational diabetes,
- high blood pressure, and
unfavorable birth outcomes, including
- preterm birth,
- low birth weight, or even
- stillbirth
are all linked to exposure to air pollution during pregnancy.
It is estimated that 0.61 million deaths in India alone were related to indoor air pollution.
Females frequently cook in the household using solid fuel as a primary combustion source. Women in the regions with the highest population density are disproportionately affected by high levels of poor-quality indoor air. Recently, it has been proposed that air pollution has a distinct role in the onset of vitamin D deficiency. Numerous studies have explored associations between low vitamin D level and various female reproductive health conditions since the discovery of the vitamin D receptor. It is worthy to note that some of these reproductive health conditions positively correlate with the severity of air pollution. In this study, the evidence has been synthesized on vitamin D's protective properties and dietary and pharmaceutical interventions have been discussed to show their beneficial effects in decreasing the long-term negative impacts of air pollution on women's health.
VitaminDWiki Air Pollution reduces Vitamin D page contains
Fact: Pollution reduces the amount of time that people are outdoors
Fact: Pollution is often associated with hot temperatures - another reason to not go outdoors
Fact: Less time outdoors results in lower Vitamin D levels
Fact: Pollution attenuates the amount of UVB getting to the skin (but by only a few percent)
Fact:The body's ability to fight Irritation/Inflammation is aided by vitamin D
Fact: All of the types of PM2.5 deaths are also associated with low vitamin D
Most air pollutions reduce Vitamin D (PM2.5 is worst) – June 2021
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation helps the body fight the effects of pollution.
- There were 60+ references in Air Pollution reduces Vitamin D page as of June 2023
- Inhaled vitamin D might turn out to be especially good form as it goes directly to the lungs.