Smoking Depletes These Nutrients

   In a recent article, “Why You Should Quit Smoking,” we reviewed the negative consequences of smoking and the timeline of benefits that someone will receive from quitting smoking. As discussed, smoking cigarettes and tobacco dramatically increase risks of acute and chronic diseases and ailments across the board. However, a lesser-known fact is smoking also depletes various specific macro- and micronutrients in the body.

   In this article, we will review the nutrients and vitamins that smoking depletes from the body.

Antioxidants
   One of the most damaging aspects of smoking is that it increases the number of free radicals in the body, which causes oxidative stress.  Inevitably, the body’s levels of antioxidants will decrease as they struggle to fight oxidative stress.  One of the most noticeable decreases is the antioxidant called beta-carotene, as noted by several studies.  People can increase the level of antioxidants in their body, through an antioxidant-rich diet or supplementation.

   However, people who are currently smoking should not take ample amount of beta-carotene supplementation because when beta-carotene directly interacts with cigarette smoke, a wide range of toxic, oxidation products are generated.  

Vitamin C
   Studies have shown that people who smoke require a ...

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