Chronic Cough? Vitamin Deficiency Could Be the Culprit
A recent report from scientists at Italy's University of Turin and Mauriziano Hospital revealed a strong correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and otherwise unexplained chronic cough.
The study examined more than 300 Italian patients with chronic cough.
While the most common causes of chronic cough include adverse prescription drug reaction, increased cough reflex sensitivity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergies, more than 15 percent of study participants had no formal diagnosis regarding the source of their cough.
Of the 40 individuals with unexplained chronic cough, 25 had a marked vitamin B12 deficiency; 15 had no such deficit.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the formation of blood cells, as well as normal brain and nervous system function.
A common side effect of B12 deficiency is a condition known as peripheral sensory neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning, or a complete absence of feeling in the extremities.
The Italian study showed that sensory neuropathy caused by B12 deficiency could be a factor in abnormal pharynx and larynx function, thereby causing chronic cough.
Biopsies of subjects' tissue showed higher than normal levels of nerve growth factor in the cells of the respiratory and bronchial passageways.
High levels of nerve growth factor have been linked to increased inflammation and discomfort in the airway; this presents a valid explanation for chronic coughing.
This same process also lowers cell metabolism in the epithelia, which creates an unstable electrochemical state marked by inflammation.
Histamine is associated with inflammation.
Study subjects with B12 deficiency presented lower histamine thresholds and their coughs improved dramatically with B12 supplementation.
Experts estimate that nearly 39 percent of American adults suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Populations at greatest risk are the elderly, individuals who suffer from reflux, individuals who have or have ever had h-Pylori infections, vegans, and those on prescription medications.
Individuals who have difficulty sleeping are also typically deficient in vitamin B12.
To naturally increase vitamin B12 intake: * Consume a diet rich in healthy animal products like organically-raised meat and poultry, wild catfish, and free range eggs.
These animal sources of vitamin B12 are the most beneficial for the body and ensure adequate biological function.
* Supplement with vitamin B12 sprays, pills or powders, especially if one's diet or cultural traditions preclude the consumption of meat or animal products (this includes some vegetarians, most vegans, and certain religious and ethnic groups).
The vitamin B12 derived from plants does not function in the body in the same manner as B12 derived from animal sources, even though blood tests usually reveal sufficient levels of the vitamin.
Individuals who consume little or no animal products may present normal B12 levels on a standard blood test but may still be severely deficient in the vitamin.
* Use probiotics which help the body fight infection and improve nutrient absorption.
Probiotics can be found in supplement form, but are now added to many readily-available foods such as yogurts, fruit juices, milk, and cheese.
The study examined more than 300 Italian patients with chronic cough.
While the most common causes of chronic cough include adverse prescription drug reaction, increased cough reflex sensitivity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergies, more than 15 percent of study participants had no formal diagnosis regarding the source of their cough.
Of the 40 individuals with unexplained chronic cough, 25 had a marked vitamin B12 deficiency; 15 had no such deficit.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the formation of blood cells, as well as normal brain and nervous system function.
A common side effect of B12 deficiency is a condition known as peripheral sensory neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning, or a complete absence of feeling in the extremities.
The Italian study showed that sensory neuropathy caused by B12 deficiency could be a factor in abnormal pharynx and larynx function, thereby causing chronic cough.
Biopsies of subjects' tissue showed higher than normal levels of nerve growth factor in the cells of the respiratory and bronchial passageways.
High levels of nerve growth factor have been linked to increased inflammation and discomfort in the airway; this presents a valid explanation for chronic coughing.
This same process also lowers cell metabolism in the epithelia, which creates an unstable electrochemical state marked by inflammation.
Histamine is associated with inflammation.
Study subjects with B12 deficiency presented lower histamine thresholds and their coughs improved dramatically with B12 supplementation.
Experts estimate that nearly 39 percent of American adults suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Populations at greatest risk are the elderly, individuals who suffer from reflux, individuals who have or have ever had h-Pylori infections, vegans, and those on prescription medications.
Individuals who have difficulty sleeping are also typically deficient in vitamin B12.
To naturally increase vitamin B12 intake: * Consume a diet rich in healthy animal products like organically-raised meat and poultry, wild catfish, and free range eggs.
These animal sources of vitamin B12 are the most beneficial for the body and ensure adequate biological function.
* Supplement with vitamin B12 sprays, pills or powders, especially if one's diet or cultural traditions preclude the consumption of meat or animal products (this includes some vegetarians, most vegans, and certain religious and ethnic groups).
The vitamin B12 derived from plants does not function in the body in the same manner as B12 derived from animal sources, even though blood tests usually reveal sufficient levels of the vitamin.
Individuals who consume little or no animal products may present normal B12 levels on a standard blood test but may still be severely deficient in the vitamin.
* Use probiotics which help the body fight infection and improve nutrient absorption.
Probiotics can be found in supplement form, but are now added to many readily-available foods such as yogurts, fruit juices, milk, and cheese.