A new study by psychologists at the University of Canterbury (UC) demonstrates that minerals and vitamins may lessen cigarette consumption and advance effective stopping. This examination is the first known randomized controlled preliminary exploring the effect of a mineral-vitamin formula for smoking cessation and a decrease in cigarette use.
The study supports the use of micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) as a safe, readily available option to promote successful quitting and reduced cigarette use.
UC Psychology doctoral student Phillipa Reihana said, “Micronutrients are being increasingly studied for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, but directly using micronutrients as a treatment for addictions is novel.”
“There is extensive evidence that micronutrients alleviate stress. Given that tobacco smoking is often used to cope with stress, taking micronutrients may moderate the stress of withdrawal and increase the chance of a successful quit attempt.”
During the study, those who took micronutrients had reduced consumption of cigarettes per day. Scientists conclude that the study supports the use of micronutrients as a safe, readily available option to take before and during a quit attempt to potentially increase the likelihood of success.
This examination is the primary known randomized controlled preliminary research the effect of a mineral-vitamin formula for the smoking end and decrease of cigarette utilization anywhere in the world. Essentially, there was a placebo control group, members (107 altogether) were arbitrarily appointed to get micronutrients or a placebo, there were a generous number of Māori members (22%), and the members and investigators stayed oblivious in regards to the doled out condition until the point that the examination finished.
Quitting smoking is among the most important health-promoting changes a person can make and is the most cost-effective disease prevention intervention available. Despite the benefits, many smokers have difficulty quitting and the incidence of smoking relapse is high, with many smokers failing even 24 hours of continuous abstinence after their quit date.
Finding better ways to help smokers to quit has been identified by the Ministry of Health as a key to achieving this goal. Smokers need help first to quit successfully and then to remain smoke-free despite the challenges of withdrawal symptoms, relapse, stress, and social pressure to continue smoking.
The study is published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.