Hyderabad: The city’s deteriorating air quality is no longer just a respiratory concern—it is now limiting residents’ ability to naturally produce vitamin D, warned experts at a recent medical discussion held at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).With the city frequently shrouded in smog and high concentrations of pollutants throughout the winter months, experts caution that regular outdoor exposure alone may not be sufficient for healthy vitamin D synthesis.Researchers have found that a combination of key pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, are obstructing the narrow band of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation needed for the skin to manufacture vitamin D.”The wavelength required for vitamin D production is already limited in winter. When you add a dense layer of pollutants, the UVB rays simply cannot reach the ground effectively,” said Major Gen (Dr) RK Marwaha, senior consultant endocrinologist.Hyderabad witnessed persistent smog episodes over the past few year, exacerbated by traffic emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants and weather conditions that trap particulate matter close to the ground. These suspended particles scatter and absorb UVB radiation before it can reach the skin, creating a ‘double burden’ for residents who already spend long hours indoors due to urban lifestyles.Endocrinologists participating in the discussion noted a steady increase in cases of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among office workers, students, and the elderly. “We are now seeing deficiency patterns even among people who claim they spend time outdoors. The air pollution layer is acting like a shield,” said Dr Rakesh Sahay, senior endocrinologist and OGH superintendent.Public health experts warn that low vitamin D levels can have wide-ranging consequences, including impaired bone health, weakened immunity, fatigue, mood disturbances and an increased risk of chronic diseases in severe cases. They advise residents to consider taking vitamin D supplements, eating foods rich in vitamin D, and getting their vitamin D levels tested periodically, especially during high-pollution months.Environmental specialists emphasised that, although individual precautions are important, reducing pollution at the source is the long-term solution. “Cleaner transport, controlled construction dust, stricter industrial compliance and increased green spaces are essential. Otherwise, we will continue to battle invisible nutritional deficiencies caused by visible pollution,” said a senior scientist.As Hyderabad prepares for another winter of low visibility and high AQI readings, experts say the city must recognise that air pollution is not only an environmental crisis, but also a growing public health threat that now extends deep into residents’ nutritional well-being.
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