Your lungs are part of the respiratory system and are organs that help you breathe. Your lung function can be impaired by diseases like chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, asthma or lung cancer. In addition to preventive measures like avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet, some vitamins may help improve your lung function and reduce the risk of lung problems. Do not use vitamins as a substitute for treatment for lung diseases, and talk with your doctor before using vitamins to improve your lung health.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps maintain appropriate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, helps the body absorb calcium and may help protect the body against cancer and autoimmune diseases. It can be found in dietary sources like eggs, fish and fortified milk; as well, the human body synthesizes this vitamin in reaction to sunlight. According to a 2011 article published in the journal "Respiratory Research," vitamin D also helps modulate immune and inflammatory responses. Low levels of the vitamin have been associated with decreased lung function and may increase the likelihood of inflammatory lung diseases like asthma and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, or COPD. The exact mechanisms of how vitamin D promotes lung health is unknown, and more research needs to be done. Talk with your doctor about vitamin D and whether it can help you.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin, which means it may help protect cells against damage that free radicals cause that can lead to cancer and other diseases. A 2006 article in "The European Respiratory Journal" states that dietary antioxidants may help protect lungs against respiratory problems and reduced lung function. The study the article describes found that vitamin C intake was consistently associated with increased lung function in healthy, nonsmoking students. Good sources of this vitamin are oranges, strawberries, watermelon, red and green peppers and potatoes.
Vitamin A
Another antioxidant is vitamin A, which aids in bone growth and cell division and helps regulate the immune system. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements explains that this vitamin also promotes healthy respiratory tract linings and aids in fighting infection and bacteria in these membranes. Without enough vitamin A, the lungs cannot adequately fight germs, which can even lead to vitamin A deficiency-related pneumonia. Dietary sources of vitamin A include milk, cheese, liver, carrots, apricots, oatmeal and peas.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that aids with immune system functioning and various metabolic processes. A 2011 report in the journal "Thorax" found that in the Women's Health Study, women who were given supplemental vitamin E had a reduction in chronic lung disease. Before taking a vitamin E supplement, talk with your doctor about whether this is an appropriate supplement for you and whether it would benefit your lung health.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin D; Mayo Clinic Staff; April 1, 2011
- "Respiratory Research"; The Role of Vitamin D in Pulmonary Disease: COPD, Asthma, Infection and Cancer; C Herr et al; March 2011
- "The European Respiratory Journal"; Antioxidant intake; J Tujague et al; February 2006
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet; Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- "Thorax"; Randomised Vitamin E Supplementation and Risk of Chronic Lung Disease in the Women's Health Study; AH Agler et al; April 2011
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements; Dietary Fact Sheet: Vitamin E
