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The development of asthma depends on a person's nutrition
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Scientists have concluded that increased levels of vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol) in the body increase the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases. Especially dangerous is an increased level of gamma-tocopherol, which is rich in corn, rapeseed, soybean oils and provokes lung diseases. However, scientists have recognized alpha-tocopherol as beneficial for the lungs, as it improves their performance.
Initially, the effect of gamma-tocopherol was tested on laboratory rodents and as a result, scientists came to the conclusion that it is capable of provoking inflammation of the respiratory system, in addition, it increases its sensitivity, which ultimately leads to the development of asthma.
Scientists have suggested that a similar effect can also be observed in humans. They examined more than four thousand people and found that a high level of gamma-tocopherol in the body reduced lung function by up to 20%, and with a 10% reduction in lung function, an asthmatic condition is already observed. A decrease in lung function means that a person receives less than the required volume of air when inhaling.
As experts noted, the statistics on the incidence of diseases related to the respiratory system are not encouraging; recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of those affected. Scientists associate the growth of lung diseases with changes in diet. For example, in the United States, animal fats have replaced corn, soybean and rapeseed oils. At the same time, in countries where sunflower or olive oils are predominantly consumed, the incidence of asthma is quite low.
In addition to nutrition, scientists suggest that excess weight can also trigger the development of asthma. Overweight people inhale up to 50% more air every day than people with normal weight. At the same time, overweight people have an increased risk of damage to the respiratory system by pollutants in the air, as a result, the likelihood of developing asthma or other lung diseases in overweight people is higher.
The body of overweight people receives a large amount of pollutants every day – sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, ozone, etc., which generally has an irritating effect on the respiratory system.
Experts also note that overweight children inhale more air than adults, since the body needs it to maintain the normal functioning of all systems. The same ratio is observed in the relationship between men and women.
However, polluted air is dangerous not only for overweight people. Experts note that with a weakened heart, the effect of polluted air can lead to heart failure or provoke a heart attack. Of particular danger are car exhaust gases, in which dangerous compounds for the heart, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which penetrate the blood through the lungs, have been found.
Experts say even a small reduction in pollution levels could prevent around 8,000 heart attacks a year and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and cancer.