Vitamins can promote healthy lungs and may help prevent and treat lung diseases. Current research suggests that the antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C and E may prevent lung damage. Vitamin D many also protect against lung disease. An adequate amount of vitamins for healthy lungs can be obtained by eating a nutritious diet that includes a variety of foods.
Lungs
The lungs are a vital organ for breathing. According to Medline Plus, lung diseases cause difficulty breathing and can occur due to blocked airways, scarring or inflammation of lung tissue or clotting, scarring or inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs. Medline Plus says the most common diseases or disorders of the lungs are asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Other lung conditions include lung cancer, pneumonia and pulmonary edema.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the body from chronic disease by neutralizing and destroying toxins and harmful substances called free radicals. Free radicals damage cells and tissues through a process called oxidation. Vitamins with antioxidant properties include vitamins A, C and E. According to a 2003 study from the "American Journal of Epidemiology" by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine, children who had low intakes of antioxidant vitamins had decreased lung function.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition, or CRN, says numerous studies have found that vitamins C and E protect against lung oxidation. For example, a study of 1,600 people in New York found that lung function improved with higher blood levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E. A British study of 2,600 people also associated improved lung function with higher dietary intakes of vitamins C and E. The CRN also notes that vitamin A may have anti-inflammatory properties and protect against lung cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works with calcium to form strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D may also have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve lung function and protect against chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and interstitial pneumonia. According to a 2009 article from the "Canadian Respiratory Journal" by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, individuals with chronic lung diseases appear to be at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Diet
A healthy diet can provide all the vitamins an individual needs to support healthy lungs without the use of supplements. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, melons, tropical fruits, green vegetables and peppers. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds and vitamin A is found in milk, liver, eggs, pork and dark orange and green vegetables. Good sources of vitamin D include milk, fortified cereals and grain products.
Supplements
Vitamin supplements may benefit people who are unable to get enough vitamins through their diet. However the United States Department of Agriculture stresses that vitamin supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet. Vitamins A, C, E and D are available as oral supplements individually or as part of a multivitamin. Individuals who are considering taking vitamin supplement should consult a physician. Vitamins are classified as dietary supplements and as such are not federally regulated and can have side effects in large doses.
References
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Children's lung function and antioxidant vitamin, fruit, juice, and vegetable intake; F. Gilliland, et al.; 2003.
- "Canadian Respiratory Journal"; Vitamin D deficiency and chronic lung disease; C.R. Gilbert, et al.; May-June 2009.
- "Clinical and Experimental Immunology"; Vitamin D and respiratory health; D.A. Hughes, et al.; October 2009.
- Council for Responsible Nutrition: Benefits of Antioxidants
- Medline Plus: Lung Disease
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