Dr. Rath Research Institute

Certain vitamin deficiencies may lead to decreased lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, says a new study.

{Comments: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung disorders comprised mainly of emphysema and bronchitis. In the past, chronic asthma and bronchiectasis were also part of this umbrella group. These disorders are all characterized by inflammation in the lung tissue resulting in either airway constriction or excessively enlarged air sacs hampering effective gas exchange in lungs.

The most recent World Health Organization (WHO) estimates state that in 2007 approximately 210 million people had COPD and 4 million people died due to it. In the US alone, 24 million people are affected and with over 119,000 deaths per year, COPD ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. WHO predicts that by 2030 COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide. Presently there are no known cures for COPD sufferers and dilation of the airways through different drugs i.e., bronchodilators, corticosteroids to suppress inflammation and supplemental oxygen appear to be the only path for symptom management.

Refraining from smoking and other air pollutants may reduce the acute attacks, however physicians are not aware of, and thus do not emphasize, the nutritional aspects of combating COPD. The current study not only proves the usefulness of micronutrients in improving lung function, but also highlights the fact that such a deficiency of essential nutrients is wide spread among COPD patients. The participants of this study were found to be deficient in vitamins A, C, D, E and selenium. The greatest nutrient deficiency was of vitamin E (90%) closely followed by the cellular antioxidants vitamin D, A, C and selenium. Since vitamin C and E are recycled within the body, a deficiency of one is closely associated with the other.

The link between a deficiency of vitamins A, C, D and other nutrients has been proven consistently for the past several years. Yet, researchers continue to fumble to find a proper dose of these nutrients citing inconclusive studies. Stress generated from free radicals, such as from smoking, could be an important factor in the development of chronic respiratory diseases and many other conditions. At the same time, it is also important to strengthen the connective tissue framework of the human body to prevent diseases.

Scientists at Dr. Rath's Research Institute have proven that a synergistic combination of specific nutrients and antioxidant vitamins increases their effect in the body therefore requiring much lesser doses of an individual nutrient. According to Dr. Rath's research vitamins A, C, E and D are more effective when used in combination with amino acids Lysine and proline and other essential nutrients in synergistic proportion. Dr. Rath is a pioneer of this innovative concept and has successfully used nutrient synergy in several chronic diseases. Please read more about Dr. Rath's nutrient synergy research and the results of various pilot clinical trials at www.drrathresearch.org}

Source: http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docID=644791