A rash of new studies and a review of 40 older studies spanning 30 years and from all over the world, show the crucial role of basic nutrients in reducing the incidence and severity of asthma.

Researchers in equatorial Costa Rica, found that 175 out of 616 asthmatic children were, incredibly (considering the sunny climate), deficient in vitamin D, and that these particular children needed hospitalization for their asthma more frequently. Their low vitamin D levels were associated with increased Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (markers of allergy) and asthma severity.

Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Nottingham, have reviewed 40 studies and 30 years of research. They concluded that low dietary intakes of vitamin C, and to a lesser extent, vitamin A, are consistently associated with asthma risk. In the case of vitamin C, this increased risk is 12%.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in the US, reviewed the medical records of more than 8000 people, collecting data on blood levels of folate (of the vitamin B family), respiratory and allergic symptoms, and IgE levels. They found that higher folate levels are associated with lower levels of the IgE allergy marker, fewer reported allergies, fewer episodes of wheezing, and reduced incidence of asthma. The lowest folate levels were associated with a 40% increase in risk of wheezing, a 30% higher risk of elevated IgE, and a 16% higher risk of having asthma as compared to the highest folate levels.

In addition, studies have supported the importance of nutrient synergy in reducing asthma risk. For example, a trial in Egypt, has found that a combined supplement containing omega-3, vitamin C and zinc is associated with significant improvements in asthma measures, lung function, and markers of inflammation in the lungs. This was also found to be the case for each single nutrient.

Asthma on the increase

Asthma is a condition the symptoms of which are recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and expectoration of persistent mucus. The condition is also characterized by increased levels of eosinophils in the blood and other signs of an inflammatory immune response, as well as increased serum levels of IgE, an allergy marker.

There has been a sharp increase in the global prevalence of the condition over the last 40 years. Worryingly, this increase is particularly apparent in children.

Many reasons have been suggested for this increase, including increased pollution of air, food, and water, our junk food diet, smoking, early weaning, increased stress on the immune system, increased and early vaccination, and the increase of new allergens such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

For further advice on vitamin and mineral testing, nutrition, and general advice about Asthma, please contact Natural Therapy Advice.