Asthma, a respiratory disease, is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, and is brought on by an allergic reaction to triggers or allergens. Asthma-related coughing, difficulty breathing and wheezing can also be the result of stress, a respiratory infection, exercise and changes in humidity and outside temperatures. There is no known cure; however, asthma can often be managed with early intervention. Nutrients may be beneficial in managing symptoms, along with a healthy diet and maintenance medications.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been identified through findings from the Institute of Food Research, as playing a valuable role in respiratory health. This vitamin is no longer relegated to just bone health, but has shown promise in inhibiting airway inflammation as well as increasing the body's immunity against respiratory allergens. A strong correlation exists between vitamin D and lung function leading this research team to suggest optimal doses of vitamin D to be beneficial in asthma management.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been cited as having a beneficial effect on inflammation. Because asthma is an inflammatory disease, vitamin C is usually taken to reduce airway inflammation, though not during an acute phase of the disease. As an antioxidant, vitamin C is also beneficial in healing and has been shown to help the lungs heal more quickly. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin C also plays an vital role in limiting the damage brought on by the constant assault of pollution, smoking and other airborne toxins.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, similar to vitamin C, is a potent antioxidant, and also protects the lungs against airborne pollutants. The antioxidant function of vitamin E in the lung is slightly less than that of vitamin C, but when taken with vitamin C, the two vitamins together seem to enhance the body's ability to block or at least minimize the allergic reaction to triggers. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin E also boosts the immune system, which helps the body block other allergy and asthma producing symptoms.
Vitamin A
The University of Kansas Medical Center, was recruiting asthmatics in late 2010, to see if there is a direct correlation between vitamin A and asthma. People suffering from asthma, particularly children, have been found to have low levels of this vitamin. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, children particularly who are deficient in vitamin A have a higher incidence of respiratory infection and disease. Giving a vitamin A supplement has shown to minimize these occurrences.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Vitamin D and Respiratory Health"; Hughes, DA; Norton, R; Oct 2009
- National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- ClinicalTrial.gov: Vitamin A, Its Receptors and Asthma
- Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A
