Vitamins A, E and D would reduce respiratory disorders in adults

Vitamins have always played a role in strengthening our immune system, without the scientific community fully understanding the mechanism of all their benefits. Vitamins A, E, C and D are already considered to have properties that contribute to the proper functioning of our immune system. The novelty comes from the American Association for Nutrition which suggests that this association of Vitamin prevents respiratory infections. The results were published on October 27, 2020 in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.

For their study, the researchers analyzed data from 6,115 adults who participated in the National Food and Nutrition Survey Program (NDNS RP) in the UK between 2008 and 2016. The survey conducted by the NDNS RP annually collects information on the drinks and foods that Britons consume. All people participating in the study kept a diary of their diet during this program, for at least three days. Of the 6,115 participants, a thousand of them are chosen at random to represent what British households eat.

Vitamins put to the test

With this study, the researchers wanted to ensure the relevance of each vitamin. They therefore set up a method to study the relationship between each vitamin taken in turn and the respiratory problems declared by certain candidates.

Of all the people, only 33 cases of respiratory disorders were identified. They mostly occurred in older people who were less likely to regularly take vitamin A, E, C or D supplements.

After adjusting for potential confounders, intake of vitamins A and E from food and dietary supplements is associated with lower prevalence of respiratory disorders. Similarly, vitamin D, when provided by dietary supplements but not by food, also reduces respiratory disorders. However, no association between vitamin C and respiratory problems has been observed.

Vitamins present in our food

The main sources of vitamin A are animal livers and fish oils derived from them (cod liver oil, tuna liver oil, halibut oil), oysters, whole milk, cheese, carrots, spinach, apricots and lots of green vegetables (cabbage, turnip, lettuce for example).

Vitamin E is found in large quantities in vegetable oils (wheat germ oil, argan oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) and in certain cereals and dried fruits (soya, peanuts, walnuts , seeds).

Finally, in our food, the vast majority of vitamin D comes from animal products (fish, eggs, butter) although it is possible to find it in small quantities in certain mushrooms and plants.