Cheese and nuts can help protect the lungs from asthma and emphysema

Cheese, nuts, and leafy greens can help ward off lung conditions from asthma and emphysema to the common cold.

A UK study of 6,000 people’s food diaries found that those low in vitamins A, E and D had more breathing problems, even when other factors such as weight and smoking were taken into account.

Vitamin A, found in whole milk and cheese, carrots and dark green leafy vegetables, and vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, are believed to boost the immune system.

Cheese, nuts and leafy greens can help ward off lung diseases like asthma and emphysema to the common cold (image file)

But supplements are often needed to raise vitamin D to a healthy level.

Of the 6,000 people, only 33 developed respiratory problems, and the research team could not establish why the vitamins had an impact.

They said more work is needed to “assess the implications of the current study in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic.”

Lead author, Professor Adrian Martineau of Queen Mary University of London, said some studies suggest that “people with lower vitamin D levels may be more susceptible to coronavirus.”

Dr Suzana Almoosawi, of the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, added: “We know that good nutrition is the foundation of good health.

“First, our results underscore the importance of the overall diet and the need to get adequate intake of vitamins such as A and E from the diet.

‘In the case of vitamin D, however, the food supply is unable to provide sufficient levels to meet the requirement.

Vitamin A Dose: UK study of 6,000 people’s food diaries found those low in vitamins A, E and D had more breathing problems

‘Given our knowledge of the extent of vitamin D deficiency in the general population, balanced with the low cost and low risk of adverse events, it seems reasonable to provide supplementation of this key vitamin, particularly to those more likely to be deficient or vulnerable Vitamin D deficiencies. “

The team said more research is needed to “assess the implications of the current study in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic.”

Commenting on the study Shane McAuliffe, head of science communications for the NNEdPro Nutrition and Covid-19 Taskforce, which includes experts from the University of Cambridge, said: “ While acknowledging the limitations of this data, it adds further to a growing body of interest and evidence for the role of vitamin D in respiratory health.

“Given our knowledge of the magnitude of vitamin D deficiency in the population, balanced with the low cost and low risk of adverse events, it seems reasonable to provide supplementation of this key vitamin, particularly to those most likely to be lacking. “