Asthma
& Vitamin C, A Must!
In
this two-part study, British researchers first determined whether
vitamin C (1 gram per day for 16 weeks) or magnesium (450 mg per
day for 16 weeks) could control asthma symptoms better than placebo
in 92 adults with asthma. In a study like this, benefits of supplements
are likely to be small and difficult to detect because the vast
majority of people with asthma already control their symptoms using
drugs. Thus, there was little opportunity for people in this study
to improve as long as they remained on the drugs, which they did
throughout the study.
Vitamin C and magnesium failed to improve symptom control significantly
over baseline levels. But as previous research has suggested that
these nutrients could offer a benefit, the authors designed a second
part to the study to discover whether any beneficial effects of
the supplements might have been masked by the drugs. To explore
this, the people continued their supplement (vitamin C, magnesium,
or placebo) while undergoing a ten-week, staged reduction in their
corticosteroid medication.
Vitamin C was found to have a modest sparing effect: people who
took vitamin C were able to reduce their intake of inhaled corticosteroids
without any loss of symptom control. This is important because the
side effects of corticosteroid drugs increase when higher doses
are used; reducing daily intake, even by a small amount, could prevent
some adverse effects. Magnesium was not found to be effective.
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing the body’s
own corticosteroid hormones. Research suggests that the adrenals
require vitamin C to make these hormones. Thus it makes sense that
taking a vitamin C supplement could support the body’s own
production of adrenal corticosteroids, possibly reducing the amount
of hormone needed in drug form.
People taking asthma medications should never abruptly discontinue
their steroid medications, even if they are taking vitamin C. Too
rapid withdrawal from steroid medications can cause serious health
problems. Always work with the prescribing doctor to adjust the
amount of any prescription medication.
Bruce
Brightman – founder
LifeSource Nutrition
800-567-8122
www.lifesource4life.com
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