Combatting smog-related health issues: The vital role of vitamins A, B, C, and E

Scientists emphasize the advantages of consuming certain vitamins, such as group B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Why should we seek these vitamins, especially during the colder months, when the problem of smog is most pronounced?

Group B vitamins are critical in cellular metabolic processes and in the synthesis of erythrocytes, otherwise known as red blood cells. They enhance the human nervous system, help preserve the skin and mucous membranes' health, and are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.

A study carried out by representatives from the USA's Columbia Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the consumption of supplements containing group B vitamins can assist in curbing the adverse effects of air pollution. How is this feasible? These vitamins can diminish the detrimental effects of smog on DNA methylation.

DNA methylation is a mechanism of deoxyribonucleic acid's enzymatic amendments, taking place post DNA replication. It's leveraged to regulate gene expression and cell differentiation. As experts emphasize, irregular methylation process growth can result in numerous ailments. Such cancers as colon cancer, bladder cancer, oesophageal cancer and prostate cancer exhibit these abnormalities.

Vitamin C, also revered as a potent antioxidant, is necessary for the human body to function suitably. Antioxidants, frequently termed anti-aging agents, are chemical compounds proficient in neutralizing free radicals. Besides speeding up the ageing process, free radicals may also cause oxidative stress in the body, leading to cell damage.

Free radicals are also associated with numerous diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia or stroke.

Scientists from Imperial College in London conducted research on a group of patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They revealed that individuals with a lower concentration of vitamin C in the body are at a heightened risk of breathing difficulties on high air pollution days.

Every increase in the quantity of particulate matter by approximately 0.0004 grains/ft³ (approximately 0.01 g/m³ when rounded) led to an increased risk of hospitalization by 35 percent for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Meanwhile, for patients exhibiting a reduced level of vitamin C in their body, the risk rose by 1.2 times.

Vitamin E acts as an additional potent antioxidant, soluble in fats, capable of combating damage instigated by free radicals. This vitamin thwarts premature ageing, stimulates skin repair processes, and supplements deficiencies in the lipid layer of the skin.

A project undertaken by experts from the University of Nottingham and King's College London identified a prominent connection between the presence of antioxidant vitamin E in blood vessels and exposure to particulate air pollutants.

People subjected to higher levels of atmospheric aerosols, less than 0.000098 inches in diameter (or about 2.5 micrometers), had a lower concentration of alpha-tocopherol, one of the most critical compounds in vitamin E, in their bodies. In these individuals, lower lung function was also noted compared to those not exposed to particular matter PM2.5 to such an extent.

According to researchers, vitamin E is an antioxidant capable of counterbalancing the harmful impacts of inhaling polluted air. Specialists stress that the compound alpha-tocopherol may play a central role in minimizing oxidative damage.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that displays anti-cancer behavior, shields the epithelium of the respiratory system against microorganisms, accelerates wound healing, ensures the maintenance of a healthy skin state, reduces skin water loss, and also counteracts the detrimental effects of free radicals. A forerunner to Vitamin A is beta-carotene.

According to experts, beta-carotene is a compound with antioxidant properties that efficiently boosts the immune response and enhances the body's battle against inflammation and infectious diseases. Beta-carotene enables the management of inflammatory conditions, which can result from polluted air.