The impact of atmospheric pollution on vitamin D status of infants and toddlers in Delhi, India

TLDR

The study compared vitamin D status in 34 infants and toddlers from a highly polluted Delhi area (Mori Gate) with a matched group from a less polluted area (Gurgaon). Serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 25‑hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D were measured, and haze scores were used as a surrogate for ground‑level UVB exposure in both sites. Children in Mori Gate had significantly lower 25‑hydroxyvitamin D (12.4 ng/ml vs 27.1 ng/ml), higher alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone, and lower haze scores, indicating a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency rickets and a need for supplementation.

Abstract

<b>Aims:</b> To compare the vitamin D status of 34 children, 9–24 months old, living in an area of Delhi renowned for high levels of atmospheric pollution (Mori Gate), with a comparable age matched group of children from a less polluted (Gurgaon) area of the city. <b>Methods:</b> Serum concentrations of calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D) were measured. Haze scores, regarded as a surrogate marker of solar UVB radiation reaching ground level, were measured in both areas. <b>Results:</b> Mean 25(OH)D of children in the Mori Gate area was 12.4 (7) ng/ml, compared with 27.1 (7) ng/ml in children living in the Gurgaon area (p &lt; 0.001). The median ALP (p &lt; 0.05) and mean PTH (p &lt; 0.001) concentrations were higher in children living in the Mori Gate area than in the Gurgaon area. The mean haze score in the Mori Gate area (2.1 (0.5)) was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) than in the Gurgaon area (2.7 (0.4)), indicating less solar UVB reaching the ground in Mori Gate. <b>Conclusion:</b> We suggest that children living in areas of high atmospheric pollution are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency rickets and should be offered vitamin D supplements.