A new analysis of survey data from a nationally representative long term survey has found that higher Vitamin A, E and D intakes could be associated with fewer respiratory complaints in adults.
Data from over 6,100 adult participants collected between 2008 and 2016 for the NDN RP (Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme) was used for this analysis. Participants completed diet diaries for three or more days. This survey collects information yearly on all the food and drink consumed by individuals living in private households throughout the United Kingdom. Researchers reviewed dietary intake (continuous exposure) and diet and supplements (binary exposure). Influential factors like weight (BMI), sex, age, smoking habits, household income and total energy intake were accounted for in the analyses. Respiratory complaints reported by the study participants and not diagnosed by a doctor were defined as self reported and categorized by a number of conditions like breathlessness, weak chest among other types of conditions.
33 cases of respiratory complaints were reported during the survey period. The participants reporting these complaints tended to be older and were less likely to say they regularly took Vitamin A, E, C or D supplements.
Researchers found it wasn’t possible to make an association with Vitamin C supplements and respiratory conditions since none of the adults with respiratory complaints reported taking Vitamin C supplements.
However participants with higher Vitamin A and Vitamin E intakes either from diet or supplementation had a lower incidence of respiratory complaints.
Participants supplementing with Vitamin D had fewer respiratory complaints. Researchers point to other studies currently underway that have come up with the same conclusions. It is believed that about 1/5 of the general population in the United Kingdom have low Vitamin D levels and over 30% of individuals over the age of 65 do not have adequate Vitamin D levels.
Researchers noted there is an urgent need to increase their understanding of how vitamin intakes could influence the severity and incidence of respiratory complaints. Further research is needed.
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