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Some of the same vitamins and other nutrients for overall good health may be particularly helpful when managing COPD.
Overall well-being is vital when you’re trying to limit the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To many, then, the obvious question is: What role should vitamins and supplements for COPD play in your daily treatment plan?
More research needs to be done, but some evidence suggests that supplements can help improve lung function if you have COPD, says Tanya Edwards, MD, medical director for the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
COPD is an inflammatory disease, and some vitamins and supplements are known to reduce inflammation, so that’s a good place to start, Dr. Edwards says.
Here are COPD supplements to discuss with your healthcare team.
Fish Oil for COPD Treatment
Tops on Dr. Edwards’ list is fish oil, and for good reason. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the transfer of oxygen, can help reduce mucus production, and are known anti-inflammatory agents.
“Omega-3s are essential to the proper functioning of every single cell in our bodies,” she says, “but we’re all deficient in omega-3s.”
The role of omega-3s in reducing inflammation is equally important. “If you have inflammation, it’s going to impede breathing,” explains Amy Jamieson-Petonic, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, director of wellness and coaching at Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
It’s best to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods if you can. Foods that contain omega-3s include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel; walnuts; and flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. You also can get fish oil in supplements.
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The amount of fish oil you should consume varies from 1,000 milligrams (mg) to as much as 4,000 mg a day. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage for you and whether fish oil will affect other medications you may be taking.
Vitamins A, C, and E for COPD Treatment
Vitamins A, C, and E are known for their antioxidant properties. Breathing is among the body functions that produce substances called free radicals, which weaken healthy cells and make you more susceptible to infection and disease. Antioxidants protect against free radicals.
You can get vitamins A, C, and E in your diet, especially if you eat colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. You may need to add supplements, though, if you’re not getting enough. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a multivitamin for your COPD or individual vitamin supplements, and in what doses.
Vitamin D for COPD Treatment
Vitamin D is also important when you have COPD, says Jamieson-Petonic. Many people with COPD are deficient in vitamin D, which can increase your chances of experiencing COPD exacerbations.
Another reason to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D is that COPD can increase your risk for developing osteoporosis, which leaves bones brittle and prone to fracture. If steroids are part of your COPD treatment, they too can increase your risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is integral to bone health, Edwards says.
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Studies are unclear on the right amount of vitamin D needed when you have COPD. Talk to your doctor about dosing and what’s right for you.
Turmeric for COPD Treatment
Turmeric or its active component, curcumin, is also on Edwards’ list of vitamins and supplements for COPD because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, a mainstay of Indian cuisine, is believed to block the production of nuclear-factor kappa B, (NFkB), which controls the production of inflammatory proteins. “Turmeric is second to fish oil in terms of anti-inflammatory effects,” Edwards says.
A study a few years ago in mice showed that curcumin inhibited inflammation of the airways common in COPD. More high-quality studies are needed, Edwards says, but turmeric shows promise.
NAC for COPD Treatment
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is known to help clear mucus and has been looked at as a COPD supplement. It's an antioxidant available as a prescription drug and a dietary supplement.
According to a review of studies on its use, one showed that taking 600 mg twice a day for two months lessened secretions and exacerbations, but overall results have been more mixed. Again, Edwards believes that more research is needed, but she adds that NAC may help by thinning mucus. NAC is more than an antioxidant; it also stimulates the body’s production of antioxidants.
Talk to your doctor about taking an N-acetylecysteine supplement, including what dose would be appropriate, to see if it’s effective for you.
Ginseng for COPD Treatment
Some nutritionists put the Chinese herb ginseng on their list of COPD supplements. Ginseng is believed to improve lung function. However, Edwards cautions against ginseng for people with COPD. “I don’t normally recommend ginseng because ginseng can cause high blood pressure, and many COPD patients already have elevated blood pressure.”
The Bottom Line on COPD Supplements
Discuss all vitamins and supplements for COPD with your health care providers before taking any. That way your health care team can anticipate any interactions with your medications.
Also keep in mind that it's possible to overdose on some vitamins and supplements, and that very high levels can lead to cancer, kidney and tissue damage, and other health issues. Fish oil may reduce your risk for an ischemic stroke, which is the most common kind of stroke, but too much fish oil can increase your risk for hemorrhagic stroke, which can be deadly.
Once you get the go-ahead, divide your daily dosage between morning and night to fuel your body with a regular supply. That way you'll get the most benefit from your COPD supplements.
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