Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by airway inflammation and breathing problems. When an individual with asthma is exposed to a trigger -- which may include stress, dust, pet dander or environmental pollutants -- the lungs and airways tighten, making breathing difficult and causing wheezing and coughing. Asthma is usually treated with drugs that reduce inflammation and relax the airways. Avoiding exposure to known triggers also helps to reduce attacks. Certain vitamins may also help, although evidence is mixed. Get medical advice before using vitamins for asthma.
Examples and Potential Benefits
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C and a member of the B vitamin family, choline, may help to reduce the severity or frequency of asthma attacks. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that plays a role in a number of physiological and biochemical processes, such as collagen production and wound healing. Choline plays a vital role in several biological processes, including cell signalling and fat metabolism.
Sources and Administration
A variety of foods contain vitamin C, including citrus fruits, berries, melons and potatoes. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Milk, eggs, liver, and peanuts are particularly rich in choline, which, like vitamin C, is also available as a dietary supplement. UMMC notes that 3 g daily may reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks, while taking 1 g of vitamin C may help to reduce wheezing.
Effectiveness
Evidence to show vitamin C can help to prevent asthma attacks is weak. An analysis of data from 71 studies, published in the 2004 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concludes there is insufficient evidence to recommend a role for vitamin C in the treatment of asthma. Data in support of the use of choline is more promising. The results of a study published in July 2010 in "Immunobiology" show that choline reduces inflammation and suppresses oxidative stress in asthma patients, leading the authors to conclude it may play a role in the treatment of asthma when used in conjunction with asthma medicines.
Safety Considerations
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that taking more than 1 g of vitamin C daily may cause side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps and low blood pressure. It might also reduce the effectiveness of certain cancer drugs, so don't take supplemental vitamin C if you are undergoing cancer treatment. Taking more than 10 g may also cause side effects such as a fishy body odor and increased sweating.
References
- UMMC; Asthma;Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; September 20, 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Choline; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; November 2003
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Vitamin C; February 21, 2011
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Vitamin C Supplementation for Asthma; F.S. Ram, et al.; 2004
- "Immunobiology"; Choline Attenuates Immune Inflammation and Suppresses Oxidative Stress in Patients With Asthma; A.K. Mehta, et al.; July 2010
