Possible Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency Under Smoggy Skies

DELHI, India--Vitamin D supplements may be necessary for children living in smoggy cities, according to results of a study published in the August issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood (87:111-3, 2002) (adc.bmjjournals.com). Researchers from Saint Stephen's Hospital stated children living in cities with high levels of atmospheric pollution are at risk of rickets, the classical childhood vitamin D deficiency disease that is characterized by weak bones.

Researchers compared the vitamin D status of 34 children (9 to 24 months of age) who lived in Mori Gate--an area of Delhi known for high smog levels--with a comparable group of children from Gurgaon--a less-polluted area of the city. To determine vitamin D status, researchers measured serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-HD, the metabolite of vitamin D that is produced in the liver) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-HD, a metabolite of 25-HD that is produced by the kidneys).

Results indicated the mean 25-HD levels in the Mori Gate children was 12.4 (7) ng/ml compared with 27.1 (7) ng/ml in children living in the Gurgaon area. Researchers concluded by suggesting children living in cities with high levels of pollution take vitamin D supplements to ward off rickets.