Nutrient Associated with Optimal Lung Function

By VRP Staff

Researchers have found that asthma and shortness of breath are associated with a deficiency of a specific vitamin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime. Data also shows that between 1980 and 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased by 75 percent overall and increased by 160 percent in children under the age of 5.

This recently published study investigated the relationship between folic acid and vitamin B12 and the development of asthma and allergic diseases (atopy). In this study, 6,784 individuals between 30 and 60 years of age participated in a health examination. Five years later, 4,516 of these individuals participated in a follow-up examination. The subjects were evaluated for serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels; lung function; serum levels of IgE, which is the immunoglobulin most-associated with allergies; and IgE specific to inhalant allergens. The subjects were also evaluated for a genetic variation known as the MTHFR-C677T polymorphism, which indicates a defect in folate metabolism. The subjects also completed a questionnaire regarding folic acid and vitamin B12 intake, airway symptoms and asthma diagnosis.

The results of the study found that low serum folic acid and the gene polymorphism associated with defective folic acid metabolism were associated with an increased risk of asthma. More specifically, low serum folic acid increased the risk of asthma by 37 percent and the MTHFR-C677T polymorphism increased the risk of asthma by 52 percent. Additionally, the study showed that low serum folate levels and the MTHFR-C677T polymorphism were associated with a 43 percent increased risk of attacks with shortness of breath. The study did not find a correlation between lung function, folic acid and vitamin B12 dietary intake, or serum levels of vitamin B12 and the risk of developing atopy and asthma.

The study authors concluded, “We found that two objective markers of folate deficiency were associated with self-reported, doctor-diagnosed asthma and attacks of shortness of breath, but not with lung function or atopy.”

Reference:

Thuesen BH, Husemoen LL, Ovesen L, Jørgensen T, Fenger M, Gilderson G, Linneberg A. Atopy, asthma, and lung function in relation to folate and vitamin B in adults. Allergy. 2010 Apr 26. Published Online Ahead of Print.

Active Folate, the naturally occurring, biologically active form of folate that is nearly 7 times more bioavailable than ordinary folic acid, is available here. Folic acid with vitamin B12 also is available here.