Inflammation is at the root of a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Many factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet and stress can affect inflammation. If you suffer from an inflammatory condition, lowering your stress, getting regular exercise and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help to relieve some of your symptoms. In addition to anti-inflammatory foods, some vitamins may also help to reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can have profound effects on inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased inflammation and risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases such as heart disease or cancer, according to Science Daily. A 2004 article in the medical journal "Endocrine Reviews" summarizes many chronic inflammatory conditions that can potentially be treated with vitamin D. Many inflammation-based diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, diabetes and lupus may be improved with vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements may help to reduce chronic inflammation. A report by Science Daily describes research at UC Berkeley that shows that vitamin C supplements can lower circulating levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein, or CRP. High blood CRP levels are associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. One conclusion from this study was that vitamin C may not prevent inflammation in everyone, but can be helpful for people with naturally high levels of CRP, which may put them at increased risk for inflammatory diseases. In addition to heart disease, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains that low vitamin C levels are associated with osteoarthritis as well as inflammation of the gums, skin and eyes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent, fat-soluble antioxidant with some anti-inflammatory properties. Several clinical studies such as those described by the journal "Vitamins and Hormones" have shown that vitamin E can reduce the levels of inflammation markers such as CRP in the blood. Vitamin E is likely to be effective in reducing inflammation at the root of cardiovascular disease. While some studies suggest that vitamin E may only have a small effect on reducing inflammation, a 2004 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" shows that taking vitamin E in combination with co-enzyme Q10 supplements can dramatically reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
References
- Science Daily: Vitamin D Deficiency Related to Increased Inflammation in Healthy Women
- "Endocrine Reviews": Noncalcemic Actions of Vitamin D Receptor Ligands
- Science Daily: Vitamin C Lowers Levels of Inflammation Biomarker Considered Predictor of Heart Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Cosupplementation With Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 Reduces Circulating Markers of Inflammation in Baboons
- "Vitamins and Hormones": Vitamin E: Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
