Chinese researchers conducted a meta-analysis and found that vitamin D supplementation itself had positive effects on patients’ lung function and immunity, including FEV1 (forced expiratory volume, or the amount of air exhaled in one second) and FEV1/. showed that it has an impact. FVC (ratio of the first forced expiratory volume in 1 second compared to the forced vital capacity of the lungs).
Vitamin D reduced acute exacerbations and improved T cell levels.
“Vitamin D reduces airway inflammation and also improves lung function by promoting cell proliferation and reducing cell apoptosis,” the researchers wrote. “Vitamin D can protect the innate and adaptive immune systems of the epithelial mucosa, and this is due to the maintenance of epithelial mucosal integrity, inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in epithelial cells, and reduction of cytokine expression. It will be reflected.”
Regarding multinutrients, the analysis showed that complex nutrients significantly increased FEV1/FVC in COPD patients compared to the control group.
Micronutrient intake
Globally, COPD is the third leading cause of death. lancet. Lung disease causes ongoing respiratory symptoms and obstructs airflow. It is often a condition caused by chronic smoking.
“Oxidative stress is the main driving mechanism for the development of COPD. Pulmonary oxidative stress is a combination of exogenous oxidative stress caused by smoking and exposure to urban and surrounding air pollution, and activated inflammatory cells, especially “It is caused by endogenous oxidative stress generated by the mesoglobes,” the researchers noted. “Treatment of oxidative stress with antioxidants or augmentation of endogenous antioxidants should be an effective strategy to treat the underlying pathogenesis of COPD.”
For COPD patients, nutrient intake is just as important as vitamin D intake. Micronutrients play an important role in the regulation of immune function and anti-inflammatory effects. However, researchers say that intake of micronutrients is often inadequate. Patients with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, leading to worsening of clinical symptoms and increased frequency of acute exacerbations.
“Over 75% of COPD patients were shown to have intakes of calcium, potassium, folic acid, retinol, and thiamine lower than the recommended dietary intakes,” the researchers wrote. “Intake of vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, carotenoids, and magnesium all have protective effects against loss of lung function, including improving the average level of lung function and reducing the rate of decline in lung function indicators.”
What the research didn’t find
The researchers examined 43 journal articles published from 1997 to 2022, with a total of 4,094 participants. There were 2,225 COPD patients in the experimental group and 2,069 in the control group. Patients were treated with either vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium alone, or a combined nutritional intervention.
Supplementation with vitamins C and E alone had no significant effect on lung function. Magnesium did reduce the degree of inflammation in patients, but this was not fully explained by other mineral interventions in COPD patients, the researchers said.
“Due to the small number of papers on vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation alone for COPD patients, our results did not show a significant effect on improving lung function, and therefore a large and well-designed prospective randomized controlled trial. “This needs to be further confirmed by the authors,” the researchers added. “Therefore, it is recommended that patients with COPD receive adequate vitamin D and complex nutrient supplementation based on their basic treatment.”
sauce: nutrients
2024, 16(7), 1028, doi: 10.3390/nu16071028
“Improving lung function with micronutrient supplementation in COPD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis”
Author: Mingxin Li et al.
