October
2007
Vitamins and Smoking
Smoking is increasingly becoming less popular in the United States. Education and changes in smoking related laws are edging or forcing pro-smokers to give their habit a second look.
Still the number in the United States for smokers is high ,slightly over 20%. Besides the obvious effect of smoking, there are some less intrusive health issues. It is now common knowledge that smokers use twice the amount of vitamin C then non smokers. It is said that each cigarette smoked burns up well over 2 mg of vitamin C. The tell tale sign of this very well be the discoloration of many smokers skin.
Smokers both heavy and light should consume up to 120 mg of quality vitamin C a day, which is twice the for non smokers. Deficiencies in beta carotene (U-A) folic acid and vitamin B12 may also occur in the bodies of smokers. In conclusion, light to heavy smokers are advised to take a good multivitamin/mineral supplement along with an extra supplement of vitamin C and E. Antioxidants could also aid in curbing the free radical damage caused by smoking.
It should be noted the smokers should not take Beta Carotene supplements as there may be a risk of increased chance of smoking related cancer. Our advice is to quit smoking, exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and take supplements as directed. In our follow up article on smoking we will discuss the lower calcium levels in women that smoke and the risks, which include osteoporosis and early menopause.