Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, impairing breathing. The condition can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with medications and inhalers. Some vitamins may be helpful, as they have potential positive effects on the condition, but research is still being done in this area. Before taking any vitamins or supplements, talk with your doctor to make sure they are safe for you to use.
Vitamin C
Your body does not store vitamin C, so you need to obtain it through diet or supplements. This antioxidant helps repair body tissues, boosts the immune system and may help reduce inflammation. Study results are mixed as to whether vitamin C has positive effects on asthma; some studies found the vitamin helps keep airways open, while other studies found no effect, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some patients have reported less wheezing when their diets included lots of fruits with this vitamin. For asthma, 1 g daily of vitamin C is recommended, reports the University of Maryland.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant vitamin that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This vitamin aids in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although increased dietary intake of vitamin E is associated with a lower incidence of asthma, vitamin E supplementation did not make a difference in individuals with asthma, in a 2004 study published in the journal "Thorax," by P.J.K. Pearson et al. More research needs to be done on this vitamin and asthma. Talk with your doctor about whether a vitamin E supplement is worth taking for any possible benefits to your condition.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, helps the body convert carbohydrates to glucose, so the body can use food as fuel. This vitamin plays a role in synthesizing RNA and DNA, helps regulate production of red blood cells and boosts immune function. The University of Maryland states that although no clinical evidence exists yet for the benefits of vitamin B-12 for asthma, anecdotal evidence reports a possible association between injected B-12 and a reduction in chronic asthma symptoms. This needs to be prescribed by a doctor, so ask your physician about the safety and potential effects of vitamin B-12, and whether it is appropriate for you.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in few foods, although some foods are fortified with the vitamin. The human body makes this vitamin when your skin is exposed to sunlight as well. A deficiency of this nutrient is rare, but individuals with asthma may want to take a vitamin D supplement for their pulmonary symptoms. According to a 2010 study by M. Sandhu, et. al, in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology," vitamin D may help control asthma symptoms by reducing pulmonary inflammation through inhibiting chemicals in the body called cytokines and increasing secretion of a chemical called interleukin. Consult with your doctor before using this supplement, to see if it may be beneficial for you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma Treatment: Do Complementary and Alternative Approaches Work?
- Thorax: Vitamin E Supplements in Asthma: A Parallel Group Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial; PJK Pearson et al; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B12; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; The Role of Vitamin D in Asthma; M Sandhu et al; 2010
