restoring vitamin and mineral Deficiencies from smoking in cessation
COMMON VITAMIN AND MINERAL DEFICIENCIES IN SMOKERS
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All of the following are commonly deficient in long time or heavy smokers. However other than a multi-vitamin I do not take supplements for vitamin A (beta carotenoids), since, vitamin A (beta-carotenoids) have been found to cause cancer.
Additionally vitamin A, vitamin E, Copper and Iron can all be toxic in high doses, so I stay within the upper daily limit, and sometimes alternate every other day. I also start my cessation with a detox phase intended to neutralize some of the elevated copper levels and possibly elevated iron levels before I start to supplement with them.
In addition a multi-vitamin, spirulina is a great source of vitamins and minerals smokers are deficient in and need for varying processes. I try to get these nutrients in my diet as well (spirulina, spinach, meats, avocados and carrots).
Keep in mind that both vitamin A and vitamin C increase absorption of iron from foods and supplements.
Common deficiencies in smokers
Vitamin A (beta-carotenoids)
( * ) indicates needed for healthy red blood cell production
(++) unclear data on copper and iron levels in smoking cessation, research consistently shows elevated copper levels in smokers, but there is little information on copper levels in cessation or former smokers. research on iron levels is conflicting for smokers and in cessation.