It's no secret that smoking causes lung damage, sometimes irreversible, but it can also deplete certain vitamins from your body. This can pose a serious threat to some people, especially those who already have a compromised immune system or special medical conditions, such as pregnancy. If you currently smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your health care provider may prescribe certain medications to help you quit smoking.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps protect your immune system and is necessary for the growth and repair of certain tissues. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that vitamin C destroys free radicals since it is an antioxidant. Smoking depletes the amount of vitamin C within your body. As it is, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that you have to replenish your source of it on a daily basis because it's excreted from your system every time you urinate. This puts smokers at an increased risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include bleeding gums, rough dry skin, inflammation of the gums and a weakened immune system.
Vitamin E
Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E also works as an antioxidant. Smoking also depletes the levels of vitamin E within your body. Vitamin E helps your body use vitamin K and form red blood cells. Taking too much vitamin E may be harmful, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you're concerned about your vitamin E levels, ask your health care provider to test how much vitamin E is in your system and ask whether or not a vitamin E supplement is in order. Symptoms of a vitamin E deficiency include muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, unsteady gait and impaired vision.
Biotin
Biotin helps your body metabolize amino acids, carbohydrates and fats. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening nails and hair, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that smoking can deplete biotin levels. This can be especially bad for pregnant women, as biotin is a required nutrient for normal embryonic growth. Symptoms of a biotin deficiency include insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, painful swollen tongue and hair loss.
Considerations
If you're concerned about your vitamin levels, ask your health care provider to check them for you. If you find it difficult to stop smoking, your health care provider may be able to write a prescription for smoking cessation aids. He will evaluate your medical history and current health condition prior to prescribing a medication to help you stop smoking. Your health insurance provider may not cover such a prescription, or only cover part of the cost. Ask your health care provider whether over-the-counter smoking aids can help you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- International Journal of COPD: Antioxidant Therapies in COPD
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Smoking Accelerates Biotin Catabolism in Women
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
