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Nutrition for Cigarette Smokers

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Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

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Cigarette smoking is the cause of many health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and high blood sugar. It may also make it hard for the body to absorb and use nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Chemicals from cigarettes can also cause damage and irritation to blood vessels throughout the body.

Healthy habits may help ease the effects of cigarette smoking. Supplements have also been used to ease some effects.

Natural Therapies

Nutrition supplements have been tested to see if they ease damage from cigarettes. However, there is not enough data to support nutrition supplements for cigarette smokers. We will review future studies as they are published.

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about all herbs or pills you are taking. Some may get in the way of your treatment or other health problems you may have.

References ►

1. Wang MY, Peng L, et al. Noni juice improves serum lipid profiles and other risk markers in cigarette smokers. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;594657.

2. Bamonti F, Pellegatta M, et al. An encapsulated juice powder concentrate improves markers of pulmonary function and cardiovascular risk factors in heavy smokers. J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(1):18-25.

3. Din JN, Archer RM, et al. Effect of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation on endothelial function, endogenous fibrinolysis and platelet activation in male cigarette smokers. Heart. 2013 Feb;99(3):168-174.

4. Belcaro G, Hu S, et al. A controlled study shows daily intake of 50 mg of French Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®) lowers plasma reactive oxygen metabolites in healthy smokers. Minerva Med. 2013 Aug;104(4):439-446.

5. Ghorbanihaghjo A, Safa J, et al. Protective effect of fish oil supplementation on DNA damage induced by cigarette smoking. J Health Popul Nutr. 2013 Sep;31(3):343-349.

6. Kokkou E, Siasos G, et al. The impact of dietary flavonoid supplementation on smoking-induced inflammatory process and fibrinolytic impairment. Atherosclerosis. 2016 Aug;251:266-272.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/10/2020

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