Lung issues can significantly impact overall health and the quality of life, making it essential to be mindful of what we consume. This includes any dietary supplements. While some supplements may promise respiratory benefits, others can inadvertently worsen lung conditions. Certain supplements, when taken in high doses, may irritate the airways or interact with medications used to manage lung disease.
We checked in with Dr. Michael Lahey, physician from My Weight Loss Partner, to learn about two supplements to watch out for because they can lead to lung issues. He revealed that vitamin E acetate and beta-carotene are the ones to steer clear of. Read on to find out more.
1. Vitamin E Acetate (used in vaping products or some supplements)
Vitamin E acetate supplements have been linked to lung issues primarily due to their association with respiratory problems when inhaled. While vitamin E is essential for health and acts as an antioxidant, vitamin E acetate is a synthetic form often used in vaping products and certain dietary supplements.
Dr. Lahey elaborates on this and says, "When added in the form of acetate and employed mostly in vapes or several types of supplements, it has life-threatening consequences affecting the lungs. Inhalation of the substance can lead to a disease referred to as EVALI; (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury)." Yikes!
He elaborates and says that the reason is because it "causes inflammation and swelling of the lungs and in some instances causes long-term harm to the respiratory system or death. Long-term effects of smoking affect the lungs’ normal functioning, hindering their ability to deliver oxygen in the bloodstream."
READ MORE: A Doctor Tells Us Why You Need Antioxidants In Your Diet–And How To Get Them
2. Beta-carotene (in high doses, especially in smokers)
While beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and has antioxidant properties, studies have shown that high-dose beta-carotene supplements may have adverse effects, especially in smokers and individuals exposed to asbestos.
"It has also been established that high intakes of beta-carotene in smokers and/or people exposed to asbestos increase the risks of lung disease and/or cancer," he says.
Furthermore, he notes how it can increase the risk of lung cancer as well. "Aside from these, while in high doses, beta-carotene seems to function differently in the lungs of smokers. It can boost the effects of cigarette smoke’s oxidative stress and, as a result, increase the lung cancer risk."
READ MORE: 4 Potentially Dangerous Supplements That Could Lead To Stomach Issues, Inflammation, And More
The bottom line
Dr. Lahey says you should steer clear of supplements or even oils that contain vitamin E acetate. Instead, try eating “foods containing natural Vitamin E, such as nuts, seeds, and greens. It is safer to rule out the use of any products that deliver this compound through inhalation.”
As for beta-carotene, he suggests not to take large doses of this supplement, especially if you’re a smoker. “You should eat natural [vitamin A-loaded] sources such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, etc. without risks,” he concludes.
