When you take vitamin B6, an enzyme converts it into pyridoxal 5' phosphate, which is the active form of the vitamin in the body. Theophylline drugs, which are commonly used by individuals with asthma, are reported to inhibit the enzyme that catalyzes this conversion. Therefore, people who regularly take theophylline-containing medications are at a greater risk of developing a vitamin B6 deficiency.( 8) In fact, several studies have documented that patients taking theophylline medications do have depressed levels of vitamin B6.( 9),( 10) Thus, people taking theophylline medications should take additional vitamin B6. In one study, 20 subjects with asthma were given 1000 micrograms of vitamin B12 by injection once a week for four weeks. 18 of the 20 patients experienced substantial improvement, which included reduced wheezing, improved breathing upon exertion, better sleep, and improved general condition.( 11) Several other older studies also report substantial improvements in asthma sufferers receiving vitamin B12, but unfortunately, more recent studies have not been performed.( 12),( 13) Vitamin B12 is also effective in reducing the incidence of bronchial asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to sulfite.( 14) As discussed earlier, the major events in an asthma attack are increased contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchial passages and hyper-reactivity of the airway lining. Magnesium helps to regulate smooth muscle contraction and relaxation. This makes magnesium an important nutrient for allowing the bronchial passages to contract and relax normally. The results of one study show a strong connection between bronchial reactivity and the amount of magnesium in the bronchial tissues.( 15) In general, asthma suffers have been found to have significantly lower than normal magnesium levels. Additionally, an association has been found between low cellular magnesium levels and hyper-reactivity of the airways in people with asthma.( 16)
Magnesium is also used intravenously in the treatment of children with moderate to severe asthma, resulting in significant improvement in short-term lung function.(17),(18) Other studies report that inhaled magnesium provides a mild protective effect for asthmatic patients.(19) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is the omega-3 fatty acid derived from alpha linolenic acid, the essential fatty acid found in fish oils and flaxseed oil. EPA helps regulate the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals in the body that provide anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, asthma suffers taking an 1,800 mg daily dose of of EPA had significant reductions in asthma symptoms and gains in lung capacity.( 20) The use of probiotics, supplements containing friendly intestinal bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidus, supports immune function. For many people with asthma, food intolerance can lead to inflammation. Probiotic supplements can help asthma sufferers by strengthening the gut so that less toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream. This reduces the body's load of substances that set off an attack.
Glutamine is an amino acid known to help heal and strengthen the gastrointestinal tract. Glutamine shuts down inflammation in the gut wall, making it less leaky and vulnerable to toxins and allegens.( 21) The authors of a 1994 review reported that a number of studies support the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy. Significant results included better scores on lung function tests, reduced reactivity of the lungs when challenged by allergens and histamine, improvement in the function and mobility of white blood cells, and a decrease in respiratory infections. However, there were also negative studies, which prompted the authors to conclude that more remains to be learned about the role of vitamin C in asthma.( 22) Differences in dosage levels are one big variable that could cause conflicting results.
Exercise-induced asthma is a common form of non-allergic asthma that can be beneficially affected by antioxidant nutrients. In one study, vitamin C provided a protective effect against exercise-induced asthma.(23)
Smog and other forms of air pollution can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. One study revealed that supplementation with both vitamin C and vitamin E can benefit adults with asthma who are exposed to air pollutants.(24)
Low dietary intakes of vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with lower lung function and an increased risk of chronic bronchitic symptoms, wheezing, and asthma. These risks were further increased among students who not only had lower intakes of nutrients but also smoked.(25) |