News: Is it possible for smokers to protect their lungs?
Updated: Jul. 20, 2012
Possibly, according to a new study from researchers in Boston, which found that vitamin D may offer some protection against
Possibly, according to a new study from researchers in Boston, which found that vitamin D may offer some protection against the effects of smoking on lung function.
"Our results suggest that vitamin D might modify the damaging effects of smoking on lung function," says Dr. Nancy Lange, the study’s lead author. "These effects might be due to vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties."
Dr. Lange noted that future research may examine whether vitamin D could also protect against lung damage from other sources, such as air pollution.
While the findings of this study are definitely not a licence to take up smoking without consequence (the health effects of smoking are obvious), it will be interesting to see if vitamin D could protect against other air pollutants.
What do you think of the results of this study? Do you take vitamin D regularly?
Related:
‘ The dangers of third-hand smoke
‘ How to get your vitamin D
‘ 5 myths and truths of vitamin D
