Asthma Treatment   With proper treatment and a self-management plan, asthma attacks can be prevented and kept under control. To help prevent an asthma attack, specific triggers should be identified and avoided whenever possible.   For relief of acute symptoms and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), quick-acting bronchodilators (short-acting beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, short-acting theophylline, and epinephrine) are prescribed. For long-term control of asthma, corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory agents) and long-acting bronchodilators (sustained-release theophyline and long-acting beta 2-agonists) are prescribed. Long-term corticosteroid treatment can have negative side effects, including depleting the body of vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.   A calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc deficiency may cause osteoporosis and should be supplemented during long-term corticosteroid treatment. Certain supplements can interact with asthma medications, so a health care professional should be consulted when combining the two.     Supplements helpful for Asthma   Vitamin B6 Studies show that asthmatic patients have lowered blood levels of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).  Asthma sufferers may find supplementary benefit with the addition of pyridoxine into the diet, as well as other B-complex vitamins (2, 3). Numerous studies report that theophylline-containing drugs, which are commonly used by asthmatic patients, may contribute to vitamin B6 deficiency (4-7). One study in particular demonstrated that vitamin B6 supplementation can also reduce the side effects of theophylline (8).   Multiminerals (Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, Selenium) As previously mentioned, corticosteroids are often taken by asthmatic patients and may deplete the body of certain essential minerals. Supplementation with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc may be beneficial for asthmatic patients (9). Numerous studies show that magnesium helps relax bronchial smooth muscle.  Its supplementation may also result in an improvement in lung function and a decrease in adverse symptoms experienced by asthmatic patients (10-15). Studies have also shown that zinc and selenium supplementation may have some therapeutic effect on these persons (16, 17). One study found that the intake of selenium has been declining in European countries and may be leading to increased rates of asthma (18).   Essential Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil) Numerous studies show that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil and flaxseed oil provide certain anti-inflammatory effects, reduce asthma symptoms, and improve lung function (19-21).   Antioxidants (Beta_Carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C) Antioxidants help protect the lungs against free-radical damage and inflammation (22). Again, many asthma patients exhibit lower blood levels of vitamin C and, therefore, may have a greater need for vitamin C.  Several studies show that supplementation with vitamin C improves asthma symptoms (23, 24). One study found that vitamin C, when combined with vitamin E, may help control asthma symptoms in patients who are exposed to air pollutants (25).   Flavonoids (Quercetin and Grapeseed Extract) Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids such as quercetin (a bioflavonoid) and grapeseed extract have potent antihistamine effects.  Antihistamines prevent the release of histamines and other allergy-related chemicals, including leukotrienes and prostaglandins (26-30). Quercetin, or grapeseed extract, taken in combination with vitamin C has all been found to work synergistically to assist in the treatment of specific asthma symptoms (31).   Vitamin B12 Intramuscular injections of Vitamin B12 may help improve asthma symptoms (32). In particular, clinical study has found that vitamin B12 may be effective in treating sulfite-sensitive asthma patients (33).   Tylophora Asthmatica The botanical, Tylophora asthmatica, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia in the treatment of  asthma and other lung problems. Studies have shown that supplementation with both tylophora leaves and extract are effective agents in relieving asthma symptoms.  Tylophora bronchodilator effects are, however, only short-acting (34, 35).     Learn More About Asthma Introduction to Asthma Asthma Treatment Products helpful for Asthma Go Back Learn More

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