Vitamin A and emphysema

Managing Emphysema

I expect that a survey of HSI members would turn up relatively few smokers, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find that many of us might be former smokers. And I have to admit, I count myself among that group. But even if you kicked the habit years ago, you could still be feeling the effects of emphysema.

When smoking damages lung alveoli, the gas exchange process in the lungs is impaired and breathing becomes more difficult. But a new study from England shows that mice induced with a condition comparable to emphysema experienced a significant restoration of alveoli and general lung function when treated with retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A.

This trial confirms the results of earlier research on retinoic acid that came to similar conclusions. In fact, in 1997 an HSI member named John wrote to us with this question about one of those trials: “A recent study found that retinoic acid cured emphysema in rats. They say that researchers are a long way from human studies, but would there be any harm in trying retinoic acid supplements now?”

The short answer to John’s question is yes, there could be harm in trying retinoic acid. Here’s how two HSI Panelists responded in the September 1997 Members Alert:

Martin Milner, N.D.: “The retinoic acid used in the study you mention is manufactured as a relatively new chemotherapy drug. The potential side effects are numerous and common, including headaches (86%), fever (83%), bone pain (77%), and nausea and/or vomiting (57%). Nutritionally oriented physicians have been using vitamin A and mixed carotenoids for years in the treatment of emphysema. Retinoic acid may offer some further benefit in increasing the number of lung sacs (alveoli) but at a big price (the side effects). I would not recommend it.”

Michael Rosenbaum, M.D.: “I have never used retinoic acid for treating emphysema and wouldn’t advise anyone to experiment with it. I have used vitamin A many times, however, for these reasons: (1) it helps to restore the integrity of the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract; (2) most folks with emphysema are or were smokers. Smoking profoundly depletes Vitamin A; and (3) emphysema patients are prone to serious lung infections. Vitamin A is an immune stimulant par excellence. However, therapeutic doses are well above the RDA and vary from patient to patient. It is necessary to monitor serum levels.”

So while you may be barking up the right tree by using vitamin A to address emphysema, it would be wise to consult a doctor before starting a high-dosage vitamin A regimen.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
“Vitamin May Restore Smokers’ Lungs” NutraIngredients.com, 12/22/03, nutraingredients.com