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Health Tips for June
Asthma
Vitamins, Mineals and Asthma
Antioxidants
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that oxidative stress results in inflamation and tissue damage in the respiratory system, and later in immune damage. Those with low levels of antioxidants in their cells may be at increased risk of developing asthma. Dietary selenium deficiency lowers red blood cell glutathione peroxidase activity and is associated with an increased risk for asthma; and low dietary intakes of vitamins C and E also appear to increase asthma risk. High body iron stores increase free radical production and may elevate asthma risk. Higher intakes of anti oxidants may significantly reduce oxidative stree and prevent or minimize the development of asthmatic symptoms.
According to researchers from the University of Washington, antioxidant vitamin supplements may help releive the symptoms of asthma. The researchers measured the ammount of breath expelled by the lungs in 17 asthma sufferers. The subjects took peak flow lung function tests while running on a treadmill and breathing in high levels of polluted air. in those asthmatics whose diets were supplemented with daily doses of 400 IU of vitamin E of 500 mg of vitamin C, an 18 per cent increase in peak flow capacity was seen.
Vitamin E
Some research suggests that vitamin E may have a protective effect against asthma. In a study reported in 1995, researchers evaluated the links between diet and asthma over a ten-year period in 77,866 women aged from 34 to 68. Women with the highest vitamin E intakes had around half the risk of asthma compared to those with the lowest intakes.
In a 1995 study, vitamin E supplements were added to the treatment regime of asthmatics, and increases in levels and activity of white blood cells was seen, suggesting improvents in the effectiveness of the immune system.
Vitamin C
Low vitamin C intake may be linked to the incidence of asthma. Epidemiological studies show associations between oxidant exposure, respiratory infections, and asthma in children of smokers. There is also evidence that oxidants produced in the body by overactive inflammatory cells contribute to ongoing asthma. Vitamin C is the major antioxidant substance present in the airway surface liquid of the lung, where it could be important in protecting against both damage from toxic chemicals and free radicals which may worsen the symptoms of asthma. Low Vitamin C levels are associated with increased bronchial reactivity.
Symptoms of asthma in adults appear to be increased by exposure to enviromental oxidants and may be decreased by vitamin C supplementation; although not all studies show positive results. Vitamin C has been shown to improve lung function, white blood cell function and and and motility, and to decrease respiratory infections and hypersensitivity reactions by reducing histamine levels. Most of the studies conducted so far have been short term and have assesed the imediate effects of vitamin C supplementation. The effect of long-term supplementation with vitamin C is unclear.
In a 1997 double blind study, 20 asthma patients underwent lung function tests at rest, before, and one hour after receiving 2 g of oral vitamin C. The study involved a seven-minute exercise session on a treadmill and lung function tests were performed after an eight-minute rest. This procedure was repeated one week later, with each patient receiving the alternative medication. in nine patients, a protective effect on exercise-induced hyper-reactive airways was seen.
B Vitamins
Increased intake of vitamin B6 may reduce the symptoms of asthma in some sufferers, particuularly children. A study done in the 1970s looked at the effect of five months of pyridoxine therapy (200mg daily) in asthmatic children and found significant improvement in symptoms and decreased foor anti-asthma medications such as bronchodilators and cortisone. Researchers involved in a 1985 study found a dramatic decrease in frequency and severity of wheezing or asthmatic attacks in those taking vitamin B6 supplements. However, not all studies have found beneficial effects.
Vitamin B12 therapy may also be of value in childhood asthma. Some studies have shown benefits with vitamin B12 injections, particularly in those who are sensitive to sulfites
Nicola Reavley, with a foreword by Stephen Holt, M.D.
The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals Supplements, & Herbs.
New York: M. Evans and Company Inc., 1998.
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