How to explain the vitamin D deficiency from which the majority of French people suffer? Too little exposure to sunlight? Insufficient food intake (because yes, some foods contain it: find out which ones)? To these two well-known causes may well be added a new one: exposure to chemicals.
Indeed, American researchers have just established a link between endocrine disruptors and vitamin D levels in the blood. THE’study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, brings together data from 4,667 American adults who responded to a national survey on nutrition and health. Participants provided a blood sample to measure vitamin D, and a urine sample to determine their level of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Regularly singled out for their possible carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects, these chemicals disrupt reproductive and thyroid hormones.
Women most affected
Among them, two products have caught the attention of scientists. First of all, phthalates: the more they are present in the urine, the lower the vitamin D level, with a stronger link in women. These endocrine disruptors are found in particular in cosmetics, children’s products, as well as food and medical packaging.
In women, another element in high quantities has an impact on vitamin D: bisphenol A (BPA). It is found in only in plastics since it was banned from receipts and children’s products.
Playing a major role in bone growth and mineralization, vitamin D is synthesized by the body under the action of light. A vitamin D deficiency puts you at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, hypertension, cancer or diabetes. Scientists believe that endocrine disruptors affect vitamin D just like the hormonal system. Further studies will be necessary to validate this hypothesis.
To read also
Endocrine disruptors: who are they and where are they hiding?
Vitamin D: 5 signs that you may be lacking
Vitamin D levels, an indicator of cardiovascular health
