Asthma Retrospective Survey

Background: Clinical reports and peer-reviewed studies, suggest  that the use of nutritional supplements in a dose-dependent concentration may reduce asthma symptoms.

Objective: 1. To assess, through a preliminary Retrospective Survey, the perceived effects of using pharmaceutical grade, potency assured, nutritional supplements (including minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and bioflavonoids) on the symptoms of asthma. 2. To compare the perceptions and reports of participants with the existing medical literature to evaluate the feasibility of conducting further, more detailed studies into this area.

Method: Questionnaires were sent to voluntary participants that met the following criteria - 1. Diagnosed with asma; 2. Used pharmaceutical grade, potency assured, nutritional supplements of a specific, potency-assured formulation. Responses (n = 47, 22 male, 25 female) were evaluated on the following survey questions:

• Amounts of specific nutrient intakes taken on a daily basis,
• Any perceived improvements in asthma symptoms,
• Any reduction of asthma medications since beginning supplementation,
• Any reduction of beta-agonist inhaler use,
• Use of dose-dependent concentrations of a bioflavonoid complex,
• Use of dose-dependent concentrations of a calcium, magnesium, vitamin D complex,
• Any perceived reduction of existing allergies,
• Any increase in recorded Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF),
• Any recorded improvements in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1),
• Average duration on supplementation until perceived benefit,
• Any perceived improvements in general health,
• Any perceived improvements in sleep patterns,
• Any perceived improvements in energy,

Results: The participants were asked a total of 35 questions regarding their perceived or actual experience since being on the nutrient supplements. The following initial results have been obtained from our asthma survey:

• The duration participants had been on supplementation was reported to be from 3 months to 6 years (avg. 1.6 yr).

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• The average number of years since participants' had been diagnosed with asthma was 11 years.

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• The most significant result was that 91.4% of participants reported improvements in their asthma symptoms.

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• There was also a significant relationship  in the control of their asthma to the use of dose-dependent concentrations of  a bioflavonoid complex (87.1%).

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• 75.1% of those using a calcium/magnesium/vitamin D complex, in recommended dosages for their age group, reported improvements in their asthma management due to this complex.

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• 37.9% of respondents reported a recorded increase in their Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and 31% a recorded improvement in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1).

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• A significant percent of participants reported a reduction in medications (88.1%) and specifically a reduction in beta-agonist asthma inhalers usage (72.9%).

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• The average length of time on supplementation to the perceived benefit(s) was 6 weeks.

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In asthma related subjects:

• Of the 89.3%  respondents who said they also suffered from allergies, 85.9% reported a reduction of their allergy symptoms.

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• 72.3% reported improvement in sleeping patterns.

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• 87.2% reported increased energy levels.

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• 95.7% reported improvements in other areas of their health.

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Significantly, of those not reporting improvements in their asthma symptoms 100% reported: 

• They were not using dose-dependent concentrations of mineral ascorbates, bioflavonoid complex or mineral/vitamin/antioxidant,

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• Their water consumption was 50% or less than the daily recommended amount for asthmatics of 8 glasses.

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Conclusions:

Although we recognize the inherent limitations of this survey, there appear to be significant indications, trends and support, for further, more detailed studies of the use of nutritional supplementation in asthma treatment, including severe asthma, and exercise induced asthma.

The survey's overwhelming reports of success using dose-dependent concentrations of ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids, in combination with high quality supplements, is supported by the current medical literature, and suggest a possible focus for future studies into asthma attacks and allergy problems.

Comments from the Asthma Retroactive Survey Participants are available online at:

Asthma Retroactive Survey Participant Comments

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