Asthma risk linked to vitamin deficiency
A diet low in vitamins could increase the risk of developing asthma, research has shown.
Scientists reviewing 40 studies concluded that people with a low intake of vitamins A and C were more likely to suffer from the disease than those getting the recommended levels.
Low vitamin C levels were associated with a 12 per cent increased asthma risk, but the risk for vitamin A was less clear, according to the research published in the journal Thorax.
Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and especially good sources include broccoli, oranges and brussel sprouts. The recommended daily intake for adults is 40 mg.
For vitamin A, the recommended daily amount is 0.7 mg a day and rich sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs and oily fish.
Experts agree that more studies are needed and warn that other risk factors for the disease, such as smoking and activity levels, have not been taken into account.
There are currently 5.4 million people receiving treatment for asthma in the UK, with a sufferer of the disease present in one in five households.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with asthma.
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