When we think of nutrients, we usually picture them coming from the food we eat. However, recent research is shedding light on a surprising source of nutrients: the air we breathe. A new study published in Advances in Nutrition introduces the idea of "aeronutrients," which are nutrients we can absorb from the air, distinct from the nutrients we get from food. These aeronutrients could include important elements like iodine, zinc, manganese, and even some vitamins.

While much of the research up until now has focused on the harmful effects of air pollution, the concept of aeronutrients flips that on its head. For centuries, people have known that fresh, clean air is good for us, and now science is starting to back that up. Take oxygen, for example—it's a nutrient we breathe in to keep our bodies functioning, even though we don’t typically refer to it as such.

So, how do these aeronutrients enter our bodies? It turns out that tiny blood vessels in the nose, lungs, and throat absorb nutrients directly from the air we inhale. Interestingly, the lungs are much better at absorbing large molecules than our digestive system. This means that, even in small amounts, nutrients like iodine, zinc, and manganese can enter our bloodstream and accumulate over time, contributing to our health.

This idea isn’t entirely new. Research from the 1960s showed that workers exposed to iodine in the air had higher iodine levels in their blood. More recently, a study of children living near coastal areas rich in seaweed found that those kids had higher iodine levels in their urine and were less likely to be iodine-deficient. This suggests that the iodine in the air, released by the seaweed, maybe supplementing their diets.

In addition to iodine, other nutrients like manganese, zinc, choline, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron may also be absorbed through the air. Even vitamin B12, which many people take as a supplement, can be absorbed in aerosolized form. This could be especially beneficial for people who are at higher risk of B12 deficiency, such as vegans, older adults, or those with health issues like diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption.

While there’s still much to learn about aeronutrients, the idea that the air we breathe can help nourish our bodies is an exciting one. Natural environments like forests, mountains, and coastal areas may be more than just peaceful places to relax—they could also provide essential nutrients that support our overall health. As research continues, we might find even more ways that the air we breathe can make a positive impact on our well-being.

Reference:

1. Fayet-Moore F, Robinson SR. A Breath of Fresh Air: Perspectives on Inhaled Nutrients and Bacteria to Improve Human Health. Adv Nutr. Published online October 30, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100333

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)