Monsoon Season Impacts Vitamin D Levels in India
The monsoon season in India, characterized by cloudy skies and reduced sunlight, can significantly affect vitamin D levels in the population. While the monsoon is not the period with the lowest UVB readings (winter holds that distinction), it causes a notable dip in the middle of the year. Studies, including one in Lucknow, indicate that cloud cover during the rainy season leads to lower UVB energy reaching the surface, hindering the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D. This is particularly concerning given that a large percentage of the Indian population, estimated between 75% to 90% across various demographics, already suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Factors contributing to this widespread deficiency include limited skin exposure to the sun, skin pigmentation, low dietary calcium intake, and potentially air pollution. The monsoon exacerbates this issue by encouraging more time spent indoors, a trend further amplified by work-from-home routines.
