Vitamin C supplementation for asthma

Kaur B, Rowe BH, Arnold E

Published Online:

December 8, 2010

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterised by wheeze and breathlessness. One theory for the observed increase in the number of people with asthma is the 'western' diet with it's lack of nutrients from fresh food. We reviewed evidence from nine trials of the antioxidant vitamin C as a treatment for asthma. In general the trials were small, varied greatly in their design and the reporting was poor. From the available evidence it is not possible to recommend either the use or avoidance of vitamin C supplements in asthma.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Vitamin C is one of the key antioxidant vitamins which is abundant in the extracellular fluid lining the lung and low vitamin C intake has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction.

Objectives:

To evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of vitamin C in the treatment of asthma.

Search strategy:

The Cochrane Airways Review Group asthma register was searched and bibliographies of studies identified were also checked for further trials. This review has been updated by searches to August 2008.

Selection criteria:

Only randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were considered for inclusion if they dealt with the treatment of asthma using vitamin C supplementation. Two independent reviewers identified potentially relevant studies using pre-defined criteria and selected studies for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis:

Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Information on patients, methods, interventions, outcomes and results was extracted using standard forms.

Main results:

Nine studies met the review entry criteria, randomising a total of 330 participants. Study design varied and the reporting was generally poor. Five trials contributed numerical data to the review. They provided outcome data on lung function, symptom scores, IgE levels and inhaled steroid use. One small study showed a significant difference in % drop in FEV1 post-exercise.

Authors' conclusions:

At present, evidence from randomised-controlled trials is insufficient to recommend a specific role for vitamin C in the treatment of asthma. Further methodologically strong and large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed in order to address the question of the effectiveness of vitamin C in children with asthma.

This record should be cited as:

Kaur B, Rowe BH, Arnold E. Vitamin C supplementation for asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000993. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000993.pub3

Assessed as up to date:

October 29, 2008

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Asthma topics:

Physical and complementary therapies > Complementary Therapies

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Asthma (chronic) > Diet

Complementary & alternative medicine > Lungs & airways > Asthma (chronic)

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Vitamin C supplementation for asthma

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