The critical importance of interactions between nutrients in asthma is graphically displayed in the example below.

The example we have used is Vitamin B6.

As noted in one study, oral supplementation with 50 mg of vitamin B6 twice daily resulted in a dramatic decrease in frequency and severity of wheezing and asthma attacks. 

Although all patients reported benefit, in seven of the patients supplementation failed to produce a substantial elevation of  vitamin B6. This suggests that some patients may need even more vitamin B6, or they may be deficient in magnesium or vitamin B2 (riboflavin). ^130A

When we begin to look at the above information, and in light of the interactions, we find the following:

• Vitamin B6 (in the center) is better absorbed into the system in the presence of (shown in Red Boxes) vitamins B1, B2, B5, vitamin C, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Linoleic Acid (omega-6 fatty acid)

• In turn -

  • Vitamin B1 is better absorbed in the presence of manganese, Vitamins B3, vitamin C and Folic Acid

  • Vitamin B2 is better absorbed in the presence of Vitamin C and B3

  • Vitamin B5 is better absorbed in the presence of Vitamins B12 and vitamin C, Folic Acid, Biotin, Sufur and Calcium

  • Vitamin C is better absorbed in the presence of Magnesium, Calcium and Bioflavonoids

  • Magnesium is better absorbed in the presence of Vitamin C and vitamin D, Phosphorus and Protein

  • Potassium is better absorbed in the presence of Sodium

  • Linoleic Acid is better absorbed in the presence of Vitamins B6, B3 and vitamin C, Zinc and Magnesium

  • Sodium is better absorbed in the presence of Vitamin D and Potassium

  ---

  From there, all of these nutrients are then better absorbed in the presence of others, and so on. Thus, we begin to see the complexity of interactions between nutrients. A deficiency in one can lead to improper absorption of another.

  When we cross-reference these nutrients with studies on nutritional deficiencies seen in asthma, we begin to see patterns beginning to emerge.

  In the above example, we have inserted the hyperlinks to give you an idea of how this begins to form a picture with asthma.

  And remember, this is only one example, of one nutrient - vitamin B6.

  Each of the above nutrients have similar interconnections with other nutrients.