| Title: | Geospatial predictors of vitamin D deficiency across London involve complex interactions between the social and built environment |
| Journal: | Heliyon |
| Published: | 1 Jul 2026 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2026.e45161 |
Publication 20472
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Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern, causing musculoskeletal complications and linked with COVID-19, cancer and other morbidities. Global prevalence is high, even in countries with abundant sunshine, suggesting a complex aetiology. Vitamin D deficiency disproportionately impacts people with higher skin melanin content, thus potentially exacerbating health inequalities amongst ethnically minoritised communities. Whilst vitamin D is acquired most efficiently through sunlight, this can be restricted in urban areas with high population and building density. Furthermore, air pollution may interfere with vitamin D synthesis by blocking UVB photons. Given that over 68% of the global population are expected to live in cities by 2050, it is essential to explore environmental barriers and opportunities to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Drawing upon data from the UK Biobank and UK Data Service, we conducted a geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis to predict features of the built environment that may contribute to vitamin D deficiency across London. Our GWR model is the first to identify heterogeneity in the relationship between air pollution and vitamin D across London and suggests this can be explained by the hyperlocal social and built environment. Our results describe several significant modifiable predictors of vitamin D at the Middle Layer Super Output Area (MSOA), including greenspace, air pollution and road network variables (p < .05). Our findings highlight that public health interventions must address the complexity of the hyperlocal social and built environment to effectively tackle vitamin D deficiency and improve health outcomes across divides.</p>
6 Authors
- Moonisah Usman
- Evren Raman
- Maria Woloshynowych
- Mehrdad Borna
- Rosa Schiano-Phan
- Emanuela V. Volpi
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 68906 | Impact of air quality and the built environment on vitamin D status - investigating modifiable risk factors for COVID-19. |
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