Vitamin C has mucus-thinning properties and may be helpful to respiratory conditions. A review of nutrition and lung health reported that people with a higher dietary intake of vitamin C were less likely to be diagnosed with bronchitis. As yet, the effects of supplementing with vitamin C in people with COPD have not been studied. Many prescription drugs commonly taken by people with COPD have been linked to magnesium deficiency, a potential problem because magnesium is needed for normal lung functioning. In this study, magnesium deficiency was also linked with increased hospital stays.
Intravenous magnesium is known to be a powerful bronchodilator.
The effect of oral magnesium supplementation in people with COPD has yet to be investigated. Carnitine has been given to people with chronic lung disease in trials investigating how the body responds to exercise. Until more research is done, the importance of supplementing with CoQ10 for people with COPD remains unclear. Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions. Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.