Crucial vitamin could ease symptoms for people suffering from fatal lung disease, research shows

Sufferers of a fatal lung disease could improve their quality of life by taking a dose of a crucial medical-grade vitamin.

Scientists have found that having some form of vitamin B3 helps reduce inflammation in the lungs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Around 30,000 people die in Britain every year from COPD, making it the third biggest fatal disease.

The vitamin is found in trace amounts in dairy products and is sold as a supplement to improve heart health and combat fatigue.

In the Copenhagen study, twenty patients with COPD were given four daily B3 tablets, which contained much higher levels of the nutrient than those found in supplements.

Compared to 20 COPD patients who did not receive the tablets, those who took the B3 ‘significantly’ reduced inflammatory cells in their lungs.

Experts said the study is small and more research is needed. They also emphasize that patients should not experiment with vitamin B3 on their own, as this can be dangerous.

Consuming excessive amounts of the vitamin can lead to headaches, vomiting and heart palpitations.

New research has shown that vitamin B3 can ease symptoms for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (file photo)

But it is hoped the findings could lead to alleviating some symptoms.

Around 1.2 million adults in Britain have COPD and the number of cases is predicted to rise by 40 percent in six years.

The condition occurs when the lungs and airways are damaged and inflamed. It is associated with smoking or exposure to industrial chemicals or dust. But some may suffer from COPD for no apparent reason.

The first symptoms are persistent coughing, excessive mucus production and shortness of breath, which can disrupt sleep.

Around 1.2 million adults in Britain have COPD and the number of cases is predicted to rise by 40 percent in six years (file photo)

The study looked at nicotinamide riboside, a form of B3. When this enters the body, it is converted into a molecule known as NAD+, which is thought to boost the immune system.

Research shows that COPD patients have low levels of this molecule, which weakens the immune system.

Lead researcher Professor Morten Scheibye-Knudsen from the University of Copenhagen said: ‘This study is important because inflammation can lead to reduced lung function.

‘We hope that this research will pave the way for new treatment options for COPD patients.’