Chronic cough may be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency
Added 07.01.2010
Vitamin B deficiency has always been associated with certain types of aneamia and neurological disorder. But now for the first time it has been linked to unexplained chronic cough.
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin which is essential for the formation of red blood cells and for a properly functioning brain and nervous system. Food sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, yeast, eggs and milk products. It is estimated that over 35% of the population is vitamin B12 deficient. People most at risk include the elderly, those suffering from acid reflux, vegans and people with current or previous H. Pylori infections.Until now, vitamin B deficiency has been linked to anaemia, neurological disorders and sleeping disorders. For the first time a recent study has found that vitamin B12 deficiency may also cause unexplained chronic cough.
Vitamin B12's role in chronic cough
The Scientific Study
Background information
The relationship between vitamin B12 and unexplained chronic cough was assessed in 40 study participants with unexplained chronic cough. Participants were evaluated with spirometry and nitric oxide levels were measured. Histamine inhalation was used to evaluate the bronchial, extrathoracic airway and cough thresholds. The study aimed at testing the hypothesis that vitamin B12 deficiency causes unexplained chronic cough via sensory neuropathy.
Results
25 out of the 40 participants with unexplained chronic cough were vitamin B12 deficient and all had higher levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in epithelial cells than non-deficient patients. Elevated NGF levels increase neurogenic (nervous tissue) inflammation of the airway, which interrupts the passage of air and causes coughing. The study results indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurogenic inflammation of the airway, wihch in turn leads to chronic cough. Patients deficient in vitamin B12 also had lower extrathoracic airway, histamine and cough thresholds.
Results
Vitamin B12 supplementation improved histamine thresholds with improvement in bronchial (p<0.01), extrathoracic airway (p<0.001) and cough (p<0.01) thresholds.
References:
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
This is a very interesting study which explains why at least 15% of the people suffering from chronic cough may respond very well to the correct dosage of vitamin B12 supplements (at least 40 micrograms a day). But be aware that most B vitamins are "team workers" and only function well if all other member of the vitamin B family are present in sufficient amounts. Thse best advice is to take a vitamin supplement with extra amounts of all members of the entire vitamin B group.
Doctor's Natural Vitamins for men and women include 40 micrograms of vitamin B12.
