Surprising Advantage: Vitamins Provide Protection Against Air Pollution

Living in a world that is becoming increasingly toxic is a cause for concern. Every year, large companies introduce new chemicals into products without proper safety testing, adding to the toxic load we are exposed to.

Currently, your body is working to eliminate the toxic chemicals it encountered today.

Data indicates that harmful chemicals frequently enter the body and have an impact. Studies suggest that globally, one out of every six deaths is related to toxins present in the pollutants that contaminate our air, water, and food.¹

Thankfully, there are essential vitamins that can support your body in coping with this chemical exposure.

Overview

Recent studies conducted at Columbia University highlight the role of B vitamins in helping your organs, especially the lungs, combat the harmful effects of air pollutants, which contribute to approximately 6.5 million deaths worldwide annually.

Researchers at Columbia have demonstrated that with the assistance of B vitamins, the body's detoxification mechanisms can better protect against the damage caused by airborne particles, such as PM2.5 – very small particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. (A micrometer is one-millionth of a meter or 0.000039 of an inch.)

PM2.5 pollution, when inhaled, settles in the respiratory system, inducing stress at the cellular level. Despite stricter regulations on air pollution in the U.S., PM2.5 remains a significant health concern, with many cities experiencing unhealthy levels of this pollutant in the air.

Moreover, this type of pollution increases the risks of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease.

An important aspect of how this pollution affects health is its epigenetic impact on gene activity. (Epigenetics refers to external factors that can switch genes on or off, an area of current interest.)

For example, by influencing DNA methylation – a genetic process that can promote inflammation – PM2.5 pollutants might weaken the body's defenses against cancer, raise blood pressure, and compromise heart health.

However, the intake of B vitamins can significantly counteract these epigenetic changes.

Supporting Cardiovascular Health

In the research conducted at Columbia University, primarily in Toronto, Canada, it was found that taking B vitamins can largely offset the negative cardiovascular effects of breathing polluted air on busy city streets.

The specific advantages are remarkable. Exposure to PM2.5 for two hours, as observed in the Toronto study, increases resting heart rate, reduces heart rate variability, raises white blood cell count (indicative of inflammation), and elevates lymphocytes.

In a study involving individuals aged 18 to 60, the consumption of B vitamins significantly reduced the impact of this pollution on heart rate, as well as decreased total white blood cell count and lymphocyte count.

Other Beneficial Supplements

In this study, participants were provided with supplements containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Additional research suggests various ways to protect against pollutants:

• Fish oil: EPA tests indicate that fish oil may reduce inflammation in the heart and arteries caused by pollutants.⁶
• Vitamin C: Studies indicate that vitamin C can alleviate respiratory issues associated with air pollution.⁷
• Vitamin E: Research from the UK suggests that vitamin E can improve lung function compromised by airborne pollutants.⁸

The unfortunate truth is that we encounter toxins daily. Regardless of how clean your surroundings may appear, pollutants exist in the air, water, and food. Reports suggest that air pollutants from certain regions can reach far distances. Taking dietary supplements can help your body combat the challenges of a toxic environment.