News from Research:

You may not have an interest in Asthma, but please read the information below about magnesium and Vitamin D because they have so many other applications.

There is a TV commercial for an asthma drug that lists as one of its side effects an “increased risk of asthma-related death.” In what upside-down world does that sound like a good deal? And why don’t we hear about magnesium for asthma? I’ll answer my own question: magnesium is quite cheap. No magnesium supplier can afford to send a rep to your doctor’s office with lunch for the staff like the drug companies do. Magnesium sellers certainly can’t pay for TV ads. Even if they could, the FDA will not let them hint at a connection between magnesium and asthma no matter how valid the claim. (Didn’t there used to be some constitutional amendment about freedom of speech?…)

#1: Vitamin D appears to benefit patients with Asthma. In a study of non-smoking adults it was found that those with the lowest vitamin D levels had the weakest lung function, more excitable airways and a reduced response to medication. The reverse was true of those with higher vitamin D levels. Uncharacteristically, researchers hinted that supplements might be a good idea. 1MY 2 CENTS: Vitamin D is in the news for many reasons—everything from prevention of cancer, colds and MS to relief of depression, diabetes and tooth decay. Sales of Vitamin D are way up nationwide. The fact that more people experienced its immune-stimulating effect this year might just have been responsible for the reduced incidence of flu. D is very safe (see Q & A below). So, it isn’t a big risk for someone with asthma to try it—maybe they’ll see fringe benefits as well.

#2: Magnesium may benefit mild to moderate asthma. This randomized placebo-controlled study showed good results (both lab measures and quality of life) with only 340 mg of magnesium (170 mg twice a day). 2My 2 cents: Magnesium functions in hundreds of reactions in the body and is insufficient in the diet. Based on previous science and the experience of naturopaths, I’ve recommended magnesium for asthma for probably 25 years. But it often takes hundreds of studies on a nutrient to get it incorporated into mainstream medicine’s recommendations. (Meanwhile, a single study may be enough to roll the bandwagon for a new-to-the-planet relatively toxic chemical drug—even if it’s only slightly better than placebo. It’s a crazy situation because with magnesium we’re giving the body something it actually needs. )

Reader / Listener Question:

Q: Michelle in NC found that her vitamin D blood level was 16. Her doctor prescribed large doses to get the level to “normal” and suggested she afterward take 1,000 IU daily. She asked what the optimum test result is and can she safely take 5,000 IU?

A: Egad, 16 is scary low. The non-profit Vitamin D Council is a good source of information. The Executive Director, Dr. John Cannell has been a guest on my show several times and I base my recommendations on his advice. He said that a test level between 60 and 100 is the goal. (Often “32” is listed as “normal” on test reports.) Most nutrition experts suggest a daily dose of 4,000 IU but it does depend on how much sun a person gets and their ability to convert that sunshine into D. It is apparently safe for most people at daily doses of up to 10,000 IU. Personally, I take 5,000 daily as a sublingual instant-dissolving micro tablet (but a lot more if I think I’m coming down with something).

Don’t suddenly stop medications. Consult a health practitioner that knows nutrition as well as conventional medicine. This email is educational only and not a substitute for professional advice.

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₁Vitamin D Levels, Lung Function and Steroid Response in Adult Asthma. Sutherland ER, Goleva E, Jackson LP, Stevens AD, Leung DY. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Jan 14.

₂Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on measures of airway resistance and subjective assessment of asthma control and quality of life in men and women with mild to moderate asthma: a randomized placebo controlled trial,” Kazaks AG, Stern JS, et al, J Asthma, 2010; 47(1): 83-92.