In recent years, there has been an increasing concern regarding the depletion of chemicals, such as ozone, and its effect on human health.
One of the major effects of such depletion– particularly of ozone– is the decreased synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. While the impact of vitamin D deficiency on human health has been well-studied, only more recently have researchers begun to explore the correlation between the depletion of certain chemicals and this vitamin deficiency.
This article explores the connection between depleting chemicals and vitamin D.
Background on Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, primarily known for its role in regulating bone health and calcium absorption.
It exists in two main forms– D2 and D3– both of which can be absorbed through diet or synthesized in the skin through exposure to sunlight. While natural vitamin D production in the skin is the most efficient way to maintain adequate levels of the vitamin, it has been observed that many people are deficient in vitamin D.
Particularly in regions with limited sunshine, dietary sources such as fatty fish, eggs yolks, and fortified products become increasingly important to maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.
The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can have a number of negative effects on human health. The most commonly known effects are related to the mineralization of bones, and can include rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults.
However, vitamin D is increasingly being recognized as having a broader impact beyond bone health. Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may be a risk factor for a number of chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Depleting Chemicals and Vitamin D Synthesis
As mentioned, one of the main sources of vitamin D is the skin’s synthesis of the vitamin through exposure to UVB radiation. However, this process is directly impacted by the depletion of certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
Related Article
How Your Body Loses Vitamin D
Ozone depletion, for example, allows for more UVB radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. While this may not seem like a negative consequence– after all, more sunlight means more vitamin D synthesis– the increased exposure also brings with it a higher risk of skin cancer.
On the other hand, other types of chemical depletion may actually impair vitamin D synthesis despite decreased UVB radiation.
For example, pollution particles in the air can block UVB rays, reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the skin and thereby decreasing vitamin D synthesis. Additionally, aging, mobility, and workplace settings may also limit the ability of individuals to get appropriate levels of sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Climate Change
The depletion of ozone and the reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D is only part of the story surrounding vitamin D and environmental chemicals.
With the increasing impacts of climate change, the amount of naturally-occurring vitamin D in the food supply is also expected to decline. This is due to the decreased growth rates of plants, which can lead to less synthesis of vitamin D in crops. A recent report suggests that, by 2050, vitamin D levels in some crops could decline by as much as 50% due to climate change alone.
How to Address Vitamin D Deficiency
Given the many negative health effects of vitamin D deficiency, it is important to take steps to ensure adequate intake of the vitamin. There are a number of strategies that can be used to address low vitamin D levels, including:.
- Increasing sun exposure: For those that live in appropriate climate conditions or have access to outdoor areas, increasing sun exposure can be an effective way to increase vitamin D synthesis. However, it is important to take precautions to avoid overexposure and skin damage.
- Taking supplements: Vitamin D supplements are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose for individual needs.
- Eating foods rich in vitamin D: As mentioned, certain foods can be good sources of the vitamin. This includes fatty fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolks, and fortified products like dairy milk and breakfast cereals.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many aspects of human health.
However, vitamin D deficiency is commonly observed, with environmental factors– including depleting chemicals– playing a significant role in the emergence of such deficiency. In order to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin, individuals can take a number of steps, including increasing sun exposure, taking supplements, and consuming foods that are rich in vitamin D.
