Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often called COPD, affects more than 12 million Americans and is the fourth most common cause of death in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Two diseases come under the umbrella term "COPD": emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of both diseases, although non-smokers can also develop COPD. Taking certain vitamins may help to reduce the inflammation and damage done to the lungs in COPD.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps to maintain the lining of the lungs to prevent infection; some forms of vitamin A may also act as antioxidants. A small study conducted by researchers from Firat University in Turkey published in the June 2004 issue of "Clinical and Investigative Medicine" found that people with COPD had lower than normal levels of vitamin A. Researchers hypothesized that vitamin A supplementation might help prevent and treat the disease. However, vitamin A supplementation may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer in smokers, according to the results of two large studies, the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial, called the CARET study, conducted in the United States, and the Finnish Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention, or ATBC study. Do not take vitamin A supplements without talking with your doctor first if you are or have been a smoker.
Vitamin C
Smokers have lower levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can reduce cell damage, and need an additional 35 mg per day, according to the American Dietetic Society. According to the Turkish study conducted by researchers from Firat University, people with COPD also had lower than normal levels of vitamin C and might benefit from supplementation. A Chinese study reported in the July 2007 issue of the "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research" reported that vitamin C might help prevent damage to DNA in white blood cells.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, synthesized in the skin after sunlight exposure and also found in foods such as dairy products and eggs, may help to improve respiratory function in people with COPD, researchers from New Zealand reported in the December 2009 issue of "Chest." While vitamin D does not prevent development of the disease, it may help people breathe more easily and more deeply.
Vitamin E
The Chinese study reported in the "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research" also found a potential benefit to vitamin E supplementation to reduce DNA damage in COPD. A report presented by researchers from Cornell University at the 2010 American Thoracic Society meeting found that vitamin E supplementation reduced the risk of developing COPD by 10 percent in 10 years of follow-up of participants in the Women's Health Study. Vitamin E has also been implicated in increasing the risk of congestive heart failure in some people with cardiovascular disease, according to Anne Agler, one of the presenters. Do not take vitamin E supplements without your medical practitioner's approval.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; What Is COPD? June 2010
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research;" Vitamin E and Vitamin C Supplementation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; T Wu; July 2007
- "Clinical and Investigative Medicine;" Antioxidant Vitamins (A, C and E) and Malondialdehyde Levels in AcuteExacerbation and Stable Periods of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; T. Tug, et al.; June 2004
- National Cancer Institute; Beta-Carotene Supplements Confirmed as Harmful to Those at Risk for Lung Cancer; December 2004
- ScienceNews; Breathing Easier with Vitamin D; Janet Raloff
- MedPage Today; ATS: Vitamin E May Reduce COPD Risk; Charles Bankhead; May 2010
