Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe HypothesisVitamin DVitamin CVitamin EThe Verdict
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Hypothesis
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
The Verdict
Some scientists believe thatasthmaandvitamin deficienciesare linked. It is thought that certain vitamins—most specificallyvitamin D,vitamin C, and vitamin E—play a role in not only the development of asthma but also the severity and frequency ofasthma attacks.
This article explores the link between asthma and vitamin deficiencies and whether vitamin supplements have any impact on the risk or severity of this common inflammatory airway disease.
1:53Easy Tips for Reducing Asthma Triggers
1:53
Easy Tips for Reducing Asthma Triggers
How Asthma and Vitamin Deficiencies Are Linked
The link between asthma and vitamin deficiency is largely hypothetical. The hypothesis is based on the long-held assumption that asthma is more common in countries that consume a Western diet (rich in refined sugar, fats, and processed foods) than those that rely on real foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
In turn, because a Western diet is linked to an increased risk of vitamin deficiencies, many experts have jumped to the conclusion that vitamin deficiencies are the central link to asthma.
The current evidence does not support the theory. According to a 2015 review of studies published in theAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,there is no clear association between the Western diet and the rate of asthma in adults.
With that said, the researchers concluded that there may be a link between a Western diet and theseverity and frequency of asthma symptoms. Whether this is due to vitamin deficiencies alone is unknown. Further research is needed.
RecapCurrently, there is no evidence that a Western diet increases the risk of asthma. However, there is evidence that a Western diet may increase the severity or frequency of asthma attacks.
Recap
Currently, there is no evidence that a Western diet increases the risk of asthma. However, there is evidence that a Western diet may increase the severity or frequency of asthma attacks.
How to Prevent and Control Asthma Attacks
Jim Craigmyle / Getty Images
Vitamin D is afat-soluble vitaminthat is produced in the skin following exposure to the sun. It is also found in dairy and other food products. Vitamin D is essential to bone health and also helps strengthen theimmune response.
Foods that are rich sources of vitamin D include:
Numerous studies have suggested a link between vitamin D and asthma, although the quality of the studies is generally poor.
A 2017 review of studies published inCureussuggested that vitamin D can be effective as a complementary therapy for people with asthma. What the researchers could not say ishowvitamin D is meant to influence asthma symptoms.
Similarly, a 2017 review inClinical Therapyreported that low levels of vitamin D correspond to a higher rate of asthma attacks. Even so, there was no evidence thatvitamin D supplementscould either prevent or treat asthma.
RecapAlthough some research suggests that vitamin D supplements may benefit people with asthma, the evidence supporting the claim is weak. There is no evidence that vitamin D can prevent asthma.
Although some research suggests that vitamin D supplements may benefit people with asthma, the evidence supporting the claim is weak. There is no evidence that vitamin D can prevent asthma.
How Vitamin D Deficiency and Allergies Are Linked
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. It is touted as a defense against the common cold.
Among the richest food sources of vitamin C are:
Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties that may benefit people with asthma. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize oxygen-containing molecules calledfree radicalsthat cause long-term damage to cells.
To date, there is little evidence to support the claim. While some studies suggest thatvitamin C supplementationmay reducebronchoconstriction(the narrowing of the airways) following extreme exertion, there is no real evidence that it can either prevent or treatexercise-induced asthmaor any other form of asthma.
RecapThere is no strong evidence that vitamin C can prevent airway hypersensitivity or bronchoconstriction that contributes to asthma attacks.
There is no strong evidence that vitamin C can prevent airway hypersensitivity or bronchoconstriction that contributes to asthma attacks.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in nuts, seeds, oils, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is important to the health and function of your eyes, brain, skin, and reproductive organs.
Among the best food sources of vitamin E are:
Like vitamin C, vitamin E has antioxidant effects that may benefit people with asthma. Even so, most of the evidence linking asthma and vitamin C is weak.
A 2013 review published in theAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicinecould find no solid evidence that vitamin E had any effect on either severity, frequency, or prevention of asthma attacks.
However, there is evidence that high doses oftocopherol, a major form of vitamin E, may impair lung function and increase airway hypersensitivity in people withallergic asthma.
RecapThere is no evidence that vitamin E supplements can either prevent or treat asthma. In fact, high doses of tocopherol, a major form of vitamin E, may increase the risk of attacks in people with allergic asthma.
There is no evidence that vitamin E supplements can either prevent or treat asthma. In fact, high doses of tocopherol, a major form of vitamin E, may increase the risk of attacks in people with allergic asthma.
Different Types of Asthma: Which One Do You Have?
While vitamin deficiencies are commonly noted in people with asthma,there is no evidence that they “cause” asthma. More often, vitamin deficiencies are an indication of poor health that can increase a person’s susceptibility to infections, allergies, and other common triggers of asthma.
A 2017 review inExpert Review of Respiratory Medicineconcluded that, based on the current research, “there is not enough evidence to support the usefulness of vitamin C, E, or D to reduce asthma exacerbations (attacks).”
That is not to suggest that vitamin supplements have no benefits. Many vitamins can reduce the risk of viral respiratory infections, like the common cold, that can trigger an asthma attack. That is no small feat given that 44% of all asthma attacks are believed to be associated with a viral respiratory infection.
RecapThe current body of evidence does not support the use of vitamin C, vitamin D, or vitamin E supplements in the treatment or prevention of asthma attacks.
The current body of evidence does not support the use of vitamin C, vitamin D, or vitamin E supplements in the treatment or prevention of asthma attacks.
Summary
Vitamin deficiencies are common in people with asthma. There are some experts who believe that such deficiencies are linked to an increased risk of asthma. Others contend that vitamin supplements can help reduce the frequency or severity of asthma attacks. The deficiencies most often cited are vitamins C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
To date, there is no strong evidence that vitamins can either prevent or treat asthma. On the contrary, the overuse of tocopherol, a major form of vitamin E, may increase the risk of an attack in people with allergic asthma.
A Word From Verywell
If you decide to use vitamin supplements for any reason, it is important to understand that taking high doses poses certain health risks.
Taking too much vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and kidney stones.Too much vitamin C can also lead to nausea, diarrhea, and kidney stones.Vitamin E supplements can cause excessive bleeding if overused.
Speak with a healthcare provider before using any supplement to ensure that it doesn’t interact with any medications you are taking. As a general rule, never exceed the dose on the product label. More is not necessarily better.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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