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B-12 Vitamins

B-12 Vitamins

Could Vitamin B-12 Ease That Mysterious Cough?
Study shows relief when this deficiency is corrected.
By Dr. Scott Conard

As a doctor who follows research into Vitamin B-12 closely, I am frequently gratified by this growing body of clinical work: study after study points to B-12 as a powerhouse vitamin, essential for health in so many areas. We know, of course, that B-12 deficiencies have been linked to a number of symptoms, including moodiness, low energy, mental confusion and other troubling conditions. Now, a new study suggests that B-12 could also help the body deal with unexplained coughing.

We are not talking about common coughing that occurs with colds or other problems of the breathing system. What was studied was chronic coughing, constant or consistent coughing, that could not be explained by other causes. These causes included reactions to medications, an over-active cough reflex, gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn) and allergies.

The findings, presented at the World Allergy Congress at the end of 2009, were significant. It seems that a deficiency of Vitamin B-12 could be a factor in not just unexplained chronic cough, but also problems with the pharynx (the passage from the throat to the stomach and lungs) and larynx (the voice box that contains our vocal chords).

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B-12 helped ease coughing significantly
The study looked at nerve damage in those areas that could be caused by a B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 supplements were administered, and among patients with a chronic cough and a B-12 deficiency, the chronic coughing was eased significantly.

This study, presented by a doctor of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the University of Turin, Italy, looked at 302 patients with a chronic cough; of these, 40 had chronic unexplained coughing. Giuseppe Guida, M.D., the study leader, said his team wanted to zero in on nerve damage as a cause for a simple reason: B-12 deficiency had been previously found to be a factor in nerve damage among many older patients.

After testing for B-12 deficiency, the patients with a chronic unexplained cough were split into two groups: one with no deficiency (the control group), and one that was lacking in B-12. Both groups were given B-12 supplementation. There was no change in coughing for the control group. However, in those who lacked B-12, there was significant improvement.

Supplementation: an easy solution
This is an exciting development in B-12 research. Although more work needs to be done before any strong claims can be made, this study certainly suggests that B-12 could play a role in allergy-related issues. As Dr. Guida said, Supplementation is certainly very easy to perform... so, theoretically, there is a good way to treat (chronic unexplained coughing).

If more research confirms the link between chronic cough and B-12 deficiency, then supplementation could be a very easy way to help these people, Dr. Guida noted, especially because they are older, and B-12 is so easy to administer.

As you may know, age is often a factor in not having enough B-12 for optimal function. If you are over 40, a strict vegetarian, or have thyroid, liver or kidney problems, you are at risk for B-12 deficiency. As we age, our bodies may become less able to absorb some vitamins efficiently, especially in the case of Vitamin B-12. Without enough B-12, other vitamins like folate and B-6 cannot function normally within the body.

Naturally, your own healthcare professional is your best source for medical guidance. As a doctor, I know the importance of maintaining appropriate levels of essential vitamins, especially Vitamin B-12. That is why I applaud those who supplement their healthy diets with TriVita Sublingual B-12 products, and encourage others to see how they might benefit, too.

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