Have you ever noticed how refreshing it feels to take a deep breath in a natural setting? It turns out there might be more to that feeling than just the absence of air pollution, Study Finds reports.
When we think about nutrients, our minds usually go to what we consume in our diets. But an in-depth review of scientific studies reveals strong evidence that humans can also absorb certain nutrients directly from the air we breathe.
Study Finds reports that a recent article in Advances in Nutrition introduces the term “aeronutrients” to describe these airborne nutrients, distinguishing them from “gastronutrients,” which are absorbed through digestion.
The researchers suggest that breathing contributes essential nutrients such as iodine, zinc, manganese, and some vitamins to our bodies. The data supporting this concept is substantial—but why hasn’t it received more attention?
Each day, humans inhale around 9,000 liters of air, totaling an astounding 438 million liters over a lifetime. Unlike eating, breathing is constant, which means even tiny concentrations of nutrients in the air can accumulate significantly over time.
So far, most research into the health effects of air has focused on harmful pollutants, with an emphasis on reducing exposure to toxic substances. The potential benefits of what we breathe have received much less attention, likely because the quantities of nutrients in a single breath are extremely small.
For centuries, cultures worldwide have recognized the health benefits of spending time in nature and breathing fresh air. The concept of aeronutrients provides scientific validation for this traditional wisdom. For example, oxygen itself is technically a nutrient—it’s a chemical essential for sustaining life. Yet, we seldom think of it that way simply because we inhale it rather than eat it.
Aeronutrients enter the body through tiny networks of blood vessels located in the nose, lungs, olfactory epithelium (the area responsible for detecting smells), and the oropharynx (the back of the throat).
The lungs are particularly efficient at absorbing large molecules—up to 260 times larger than what the gut can process. These molecules pass directly into the bloodstream and even the brain without being broken down.
Drugs that are inhaled, such as nicotine, anesthetics, or even cocaine, reach the body within seconds and are effective at far lower doses than when taken orally. This is because the gut uses enzymes and acids to break down substances into smaller components, which are then metabolized by the liver. While the gut is adept at absorbing starches, sugars, and amino acids, it struggles with certain types of drugs—a challenge scientists continue to work on.
Sometimes, groundbreaking scientific ideas have been right under our noses. For instance, research from the 1960s showed that laundry workers exposed to airborne iodine had elevated iodine levels in their blood and urine.
More recent studies from Ireland examined children living in coastal areas rich in seaweed, where iodine levels in the atmosphere are higher. These children had significantly higher iodine levels in their urine and were less likely to experience iodine deficiency compared to those living inland. Importantly, their diets didn’t differ, suggesting the iodine came from the air.
This points to the possibility that inhaling airborne iodine, especially in areas with abundant seaweed, could act as a natural dietary supplement.
Nutrients like manganese and zinc can travel to the brain through the olfactory neurons in the nose. While manganese is essential in small amounts, excessive exposure—such as in welders inhaling manganese-rich air—can lead to harmful brain buildup.
Special receptors on the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) in the respiratory and olfactory systems may bind to a variety of other nutrients, including choline, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Even amino acids could potentially be absorbed in this way.
As far back as 70 years ago, studies demonstrated that aerosolized vitamin B12 could successfully treat deficiencies of this vital nutrient. This finding is particularly important for groups prone to B12 deficiency, such as vegans, older adults, people with diabetes, and heavy drinkers.
Despite these intriguing findings, there’s still much we don’t know. Future studies need to explore which natural environments—forests, coastlines, mountains—offer the most healthful air components. Until now, research has primarily focused on toxins, allergens, and particulate matter.
Determining which of these airborne elements qualify as aeronutrients would be a key next step. For example, if vitamin B12 in aerosol form is already proven safe and effective, could other micronutrients like vitamin D be delivered similarly to combat widespread deficiencies?
Controlled experiments are needed to examine the dosage, safety, and overall dietary contributions of aeronutrients. This research could be particularly relevant for environments with highly filtered air, such as airplanes, hospitals, submarines, and even space stations.
Understanding aeronutrients could potentially help prevent certain modern illnesses linked to urbanization. One day, we might see nutritional guidelines recommending time spent breathing in nature as part of a balanced diet.
The idea of inhaling nutrients, alongside eating a varied and healthy diet, could pave the way for a fresh perspective on how we obtain essential nourishment.
{Matzav.com}