Impact of Air Pollution on Vitamin D and Vitamin B12

Do you know that around 3 out of every 4 Indians (about 76%) have low Vitamin D levels? 

That's why you may be experiencing joint pain, bone pain, tiredness, and hair loss at peak. Even in Delhi-NCR, which gets plenty of sunlight, approximately 70% of the population still has poor vitamin D levels. 

Dear viewers, it's time to act. Preventive care depends on your power. Even if you live in a polluted city, this site will teach you how to maintain a strong, active, and healthy body by naturally raising your vitamin D and Vitamin B12 levels.

How do Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Affect?

Pollution stops your body from getting enough vitamins, especially Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, which are essential for your daily health.

But do you know if your body is already low on them? Here's how Vitamin D and B12 deficiency can impact your health.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Being low in Vitamin D can make your bones and muscles weak, and you may feel tired or low in energy most of the time. Also, it can result in rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Dropping of vitamin B12 affects your nerves, brain, and blood health. It can make you feel constant weakness, dizziness, memory issues, or even numbness in your hands and feet.

Also read: How to Naturally Purify Air at Home: 7 Proven Tips That Work.

How to Check Levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12?

The main thing to keep in mind is how to check your body's vitamin levels. Usually, when your body lacks vitamins, it starts showing some signs and symptoms.

Here are a few common symptoms. 

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

• Constant tiredness or low energy
• Bone or back pain
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Low mood/depression
• Hair loss
• Frequent colds or infections
• Slow wound healing

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms 

• Tiredness or weakness
• Pale or yellow skin
• Fast heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling in hands & feet
• Memory loss or confusion
• Mood swings or depression
• Mouth ulcers or burning tongue

Test to Check:

You can check your vitamin B12 levels with a simple blood test. It measures your vitamin levels to evaluate energy, neurological health, and red blood cell production. Also, a simple blood test can measure your Vitamin D status and guide essential supplementation.

Also read: Vitamin D Test: Normal Range, Benefits, and Why It Matters?

How to Get Enough Vitamins? Is there any Solution? 

After observing symptoms or getting your result, you're now worried about getting an adequate amount of vitamins. Because of the pollution particles (relatives), Sun Uncle is no longer there. Here are a few strategies to boost your vitamin intake. 

Simple Habits to Boost Your Vitamin Levels Naturally

Ways to Boost Vitamin Levels	For Vitamin D	For Vitamin B12
Food Choices	Fortified milk and nutritional items	Try fortified cereals, soya milk & nutritional yeast
Supplements	Take Vitamin D3 after a doctor’s advice	Use B12 tablets or injections as prescribed
Lifestyle Habits	Spend more time outdoors, stay active	Eat balanced meals regularly
Gut Health	Maintain a healthy digestive system	Fix acidity or gut issues for better absorption

3 Mistakes that People made to Increase vitamin levels

Once you learn your vitamin levels are low, you start eating everything, without even thinking of the pros and cons. This is not good for your well-being. Try to avoid these three mistakes while focusing on your vitamin level.

Relying only on sunlight

Many people think that just standing in the sun for a few minutes is enough, but pollution and sunscreen can block the UV rays needed for Vitamin D production.

Taking supplements without testing

Some start supplements without a blood test or doctor's advice, which can cause an imbalance or side effects.

Believing fortified foods are enough.

Fortified foods can help, but they may not provide the full daily requirement if your levels are already low.

Final Takeaway: Don't Let Pollution Steal Your Sunshine & Strength!

Even if the air around you is cloudy and full of smog, always remember your health is still in your hands. Pollution may block sunlight, but you can still protect your body by eating healthy foods, staying active, and monitoring your vitamin levels.

Small steps like getting a simple Vitamin D and B12 test, adding nutritious foods, and taking doctor-advised supplements can bring a significant change in your energy and mood.

So don't wait for the perfect sunny day; make your own sunshine. Because when your vitamins are balanced, your body feels stronger, your mind sharper, and your glow unstoppable! 

FAQ

• How does air pollution lead to vitamin D deficiency?

Pollution blocks sunlight from reaching your skin. Without enough sunlight, your body can't make enough Vitamin D.

• Can low sun exposure in cities cause both vitamin D and B12 deficiencies?

Yes, less sunlight means low Vitamin D. And with a poor diet and stress in city life, Vitamin B12 levels also drop.

• What are the symptoms of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies?

You may feel tired, weak, or have body pain. Some people also get mood changes, hair loss, or tingling in their hands and feet.

• How can residents of polluted cities improve their vitamin D and B12 levels?

Spend some time in early morning sunlight and eat vitamin-rich foods. You can also take doctor-advised supplements if needed.

• Which foods and supplements help prevent vitamin D and B12 deficiencies in urban areas?

Eggs, fish, milk, and fortified cereals are good sources. Vitamin D3 and B12 supplements can help maintain healthy levels.