COPD patients can improve their lung function with vitamin D and other supplements

Diet, smoking, and aging processes increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that causes millions of deaths worldwide. According to a meta-analysis published in Nutrients, vitamin D supplementation seems to improve lung function.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is caused by a combination of emphysema and chronic inflammation in the bronchi, making it difficult to breathe and to maintain normal energy levels. COPD patients also have an increased risk of respiratory infections that worsen clinical symptoms. There is also a greater risk of more severe diseases like pulmonary hypertension and acute respiratory failure. Some COPD patients also suffer from asthma.
Smoking, air pollution, and aging processes increase the risk of developing COPD. This is partly due to a condition called oxidative stress, where free radicals attack and destroy tissue in the bronchi, lungs, and other areas.
The current treatment for COPD includes quitting smoking and taking various forms of medication that are limited to relieving the disease and are associated with side effects. Therefore, there is growing interest in looking into how diet can affect the disease.
Studies have shown that more than 75% of COPD patients do not get enough calcium, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin B1 from their diet. Studies also show that the intake of vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc positively impacts lung function and the immune system. Meta-analyses have already shown that supplementation with vitamins D and C has a positive effect on COPD. In this new systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers have looked further into the effects of various supplements on lung function, the immune system, and the severity of the disease.

Vitamin D, vitamin C, and multivitamins have several therapeutic effects

The researchers found 43 randomized controlled trials (RCT) with over 4,000 participants by searching databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The meta-analysis revealed that vitamin D supplementation led to a significantly improved FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second) score, which measures how much air one can exhale in the first second, as well as FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), which measures how much air can be exhaled after maximal inspiration.
Vitamin D supplementation also improved the immune system and the activity of some white blood cells called T-cells, including CD3, CD4, and CD8, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation can both regulate chronic inflammation in the bronchi and reduce the risk of adjacent infections. It is important to take high-quality vitamin D supplements, and the doses should be large enough to optimize blood levels of the nutrient, which must be over 75 nmol/L and ideally between 100-160 nmol/L.
Multivitamins that contain minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium, can also have a positive effect on lung function. This is due to the fact that the vitamins and minerals contribute to a well-functioning immune system, and vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc serve as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and counteract oxidative stress. It may also be beneficial to combine vitamin D supplementation with multivitamins. Magnesium is important as it helps to activate the form of vitamin D that we get through supplements or from sunlight. It is also a good idea to take organic minerals that ensure better absorption.
Another meta-analysis (Ling Lei et al) showed that larger doses of vitamin C (400 mg daily) can improve lung function (FEV1 and FVC) in COPD patients. Vitamin C is important for the immune system, as an antioxidant, for various enzymatic functions, and for the synthesis of connective tissue collagen in the bronchi, lungs, and other tissues.
When taking higher doses of vitamin C, it is recommended to choose the non-acidic forms that are gentler on the stomach.

References

Mingxin et al. Improvement of Lung Function by Micronutrient Supplementation in Patients with COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2024

Yuhang Wang et al. Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on COPD and asthma control: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Global Health, Dec. 2022

Ling Lei et al. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2022