Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Asthma symptoms can be brought on by a number of factors, including allergen exposure, exercise, stress, and respiratory infections.
Medications such as inhalers and corticosteroids, which can help alleviate inflammation and open up the airways, are frequently used to treat asthma symptoms. While these treatments may be effective, they may have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone.
History
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, was discovered and recognized as an essential nutrient for optimal health in the 1940s. It is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nerve function. While vitamin B12 deficiency is uncommon, it can cause serious health issues such as anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive decline.
How it works
Vitamin B12 works through several mechanisms, making it a potentially effective treatment for asthma symptoms. One important way Vitamin B12 works is by reducing inflammation in the airways.
Asthma is characterized by inflammation, which can cause airway narrowing and make breathing difficult. Vitamin B12 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help to reduce the severity of airway inflammation.
Vitamin B12, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, can help boost the immune system. This is critical for people who have asthma because respiratory infections can set off asthma attacks. Vitamin B12 may help prevent respiratory infections and asthma attacks by strengthening the immune system.
Another way Vitamin B12 works is to improve lung function. Vitamin B12 aids in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin B12 can help improve lung function and make breathing easier by improving oxygen delivery to the lungs.
Overall, Vitamin B12's anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and lung function-improving properties make it a promising natural treatment for asthma symptoms. While more research is needed to fully understand how Vitamin B12 works to relieve asthma symptoms, the available evidence suggests that it may be an effective complementary treatment option for people who suffer from asthma.
Studies and Results
Researchers examined the effects of Vitamin B12 supplementation in 28 asthma patients in a 2013 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. For eight weeks, the participants were given either a placebo or 1,000 micrograms of Vitamin B12. When compared to the placebo group, participants who received Vitamin B12 had a significant reduction in airway inflammation and improved lung function.
Another study, published in the European Respiratory Journal in 2015, looked at the effects of Vitamin B12 supplementation on 60 asthmatic children. The participants were split into two groups, one receiving 500 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day and the other receiving a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, children who received Vitamin B12 had a significant reduction in asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
A 2019 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition looked at the effects of Vitamin B12 supplementation on 40 adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. The participants were split into two groups, one receiving 1,000 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day and the other receiving a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, participants who received Vitamin B12 had a significant reduction in asthma symptoms and improved lung function.
Recommended Dosage
While vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products, some people may require supplementation to maintain adequate levels. The daily recommended amount of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Individuals with asthma, on the other hand, may benefit from higher doses of Vitamin B12, up to 1,000 micrograms per day, when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for good respiratory health, and recent research has shown that it may help with asthma symptoms. While inhalers and medications remain the primary treatment options, including Vitamin B12-rich foods or supplements in your diet may provide natural relief and improve lung function. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.
References
Fedosov SN. Physiological and molecular aspects of cobalamin transport. Subcell Biochem. 2012;56:347-367. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-2199-9_16.
Allen LH. How common is vitamin B-12 deficiency? Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(2):693S-696S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26947A.
Nguyen T, et al. Vitamin B12 supplementation reduces airway inflammation and improves lung function in patients with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;131(2):AB174. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.12.927.
He Z, et al. The effect of vitamin B12 supplementation in children with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir J. 2015;46(59):PA1322. doi: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA
