Vitamin Supplements That Aid in Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a dangerous lifestyle choice, and a number of smokers try unsuccessfully to find a way to quit. A number of different products are available to aid in quitting smoking, many of which incorporate nicotine in some way. For those who want to stay away from nicotine-containing solutions, a number of vitamins, minerals and herbs can assist in kicking the habit. Some commonly used vitamins and other supplements can help you give up cigarettes and stay healthy while doing so.

Vitamin C

The average non-smoker requires around 1000 mg of vitamin C each day, while the average non-smoker may require as much as 3000 mg. Smoking depletes up to 40 percent of the body's supply of vitamin C, creating a deficiency that can cause major health problems over time. Taking extra vitamin C for short periods of time can help to reduce nicotine cravings, binding to the nicotine and allowing it to be more easily filtered and flushed out in the liver and kidneys.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is considered to be important in preventing heart attacks. Because of the increased stress to the heart caused by smoking, the heart attack prevention that vitamin E provides is especially important to smokers. In addition to helping to prevent heart attacks in smokers, Vitamin E's antioxidant properties can also help to reduce damage to the respiratory system.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene provides a boost to the immune system, helping to keep you healthy during nicotine withdrawal. It may also provide some level of protection against cancer, though studies such as the Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Trial (ATBC) and the Beta Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) suggest that smoking can cause beta carotene to have an opposite effect over time. Because of this, it is generally recommended that beta carotene be taken as a supplement only if you are in the process of quitting smoking. Natural beta carotene that comes from foods such as green leafy vegetables and orange or yellow fruits and vegetables performs much better than supplemental beta carotene taken in pill form.

Calcium

In addition to the damage that nicotine and tobacco smoke can do to the heart and lungs, studies such as those done by the Center for Clinical and Basic Research in 2000 suggest that smoking can increase the speed of bone loss which naturally occurs with age. Calcium, a key mineral for healthy bones, is stripped from the body by nicotine. Adding a calcium supplement or increasing natural calcium intake can counteract this effect, keeping bones strong and maintaining bone health and density to prevent breaks and other damage.

Herbal Supplements

In addition to standard vitamin supplements, a number of herbal supplements are suggested to those trying to quit smoking. Many of these herbs are used to calm the smoker and relieve the stress and depression that can come with nicotine withdrawal. Herbs such as St. John's Wort are recommended to help a quitting smoker stay calm and keep a strong frame of mind, while Black Cohosh and ginseng are suggested as a means of relieving anxiety. Herbal supplements are often available in pill and tea form, and some specialized mixtures may be aimed specifically at stopping smoking.