Natural Vitamins to Prevent Asthma

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation estimates 20 million Americans have asthma. Most rely on prescriptions to reduce the symptoms of their disease and open their airways when they have an asthma attack. However, countless scientific studies reveal ordinary vitamins can greatly improve asthma.

Before You Begin

• If you have asthma, it's vital to continue taking your prescriptions. If you think you may have asthma, you should consult a physician. Because asthma can be life-threatening, vitamin therapy should always be used in conjunction with prescription medication. However, in many cases, the need for prescriptions can be reduced by consuming the right vitamins.

Vitamin A

• A number of scientific studies show consuming certain foods packed with vitamins can decrease the incidence of asthma. For example, one study looked at 68,535 women; those who ate greater amounts of leafy vegetables, carrots and tomatoes had about 22 percent fewer asthma attacks. Doctors speculate this is because spinach, tomatoes and carrots have carotenoids that convert into vitamin A after being consumed. Vitamin A helps maintain the respiratory tract lining and boosts the immune system. Suggested dosage is 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily.

Vitamin B6

• A number of scientific studies show B6 reduces asthma symptoms. In one study, 76 children were studied; some were given 100mg of vitamin B6 two times a day. After a month, the children receiving the vitamin required less asthma medication that the group that didn't receive the vitamin.

Vitamin B12

• Some studies show injections of vitamin B12 can reduce asthma attacks in 18 of 20 people. Doctors say consuming 1mg to 3mg of B12 is comparable to the injections in such studies.

Vitamin C

• In a 2004 study, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine looked at over 6,000 children. They found those who had the most vitamin C, beta carotene and selenium in their blood were 10 percent to 20 percent less likely to develop asthma. Among the children exposed to tobacco smoke (which made them a higher risk for developing asthma), high selenium levels reduced a child's risk of becoming asthmatic by 50 percent.

  In another study, children and adults who consumed apples and apple juice on a daily basis were less likely to suffer from asthma. Apples are packed with vitamin C. Experts say 500mg of vitamin C a day is appropriate.

Vitamin E

• A number of studies have shown a link between higher intakes of vitamin E and a lower incidence of asthma. One Canadian study looked at teens who consumed low levels of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids and found they were more likely to have asthma attacks. A suggested daily dose is 400 IU of vitamin E.