We breathe approximately 9,000 liters of air a day, and approximately 438 million liters of air throughout our lives. At the same time, some air components accumulate in our body.
Oxygen is technically a nutrient. It is necessary to maintain basic functions in the body. So how do air nutrients work then?
Airborne substances enter our body through small blood vessels in the nose, lungs, olfactory epithelium (the area where smell is detected) and oropharynx (back of the throat). At the same time, the lungs can absorb much larger molecules than the intestines. They are absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the brain intact.
Recently, scientists in Ireland discovered that schoolchildren living near areas with a lot of algae in the atmosphere and much higher levels of iodine had much more iodine in their urine than those living in coastal areas or rural areas where there was less algae. These children were also less likely to have iodine deficiency. Moreover, the diet of all participants was the same in terms of iodine content. This means that this substance can be absorbed by us through the air.
Manganese and zinc can enter the brain through neurons in the nose that are responsible for our smell. Manganese is an important nutrient. But high levels can damage the brain. This is observed, for example, among welders.
Cilia (hair-like structures) in our olfactory and respiratory systems have special receptors. These receptors can bind to other aerial nutrients. For example, with choline, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, amino acids.
Research published more than 70 years ago also showed that aerosolized vitamin B12 could treat vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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