A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables keeps your immune system healthy and better able to fend off lung infections, says David Mannino, MD, the medical director of the COPD Foundation and a pulmonologist at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington. Foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can also tamp down inflammation in the lungs and protect lung cells from further damage, he adds. But what if you can’t always eat the way you should? A general-purpose multivitamin can be a useful backup, says the American Lung Association (ALA). New research is demonstrating that other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, may also be helpful for COPD. But before you head to the store to stock up, check in with your doctor. Evidence that these products provide a significant benefit isn’t quite there yet, cautions Dr. Mannino. In addition, vitamins and other supplements can be dangerous at high doses and can interfere with certain medications you may already be taking for COPD. Here are some promising supplements for COPD that you may want to discuss with your doctor. RELATED: 12 Ways to Breathe Better With COPD Several studies have found a link between a Mediterranean diet — traditionally high in omega-3-rich seafood and plants — and a reduced incidence of COPD, according to a meta-analysis published in June 2019 in COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. There is also some research to suggest that upping your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may help ease COPD symptoms. A study published in May 2021 in the journal BMC Pulmonary Medicine, for example, found that a subset of COPD patients with higher intake of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were less likely to experience chronic cough and wheezing. You can get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. You also can also boost your omega-3 intake by taking an omega-3 or fish oil supplement, but check in with your physician first to make sure these supplements won’t interfere with any of your COPD medications, advises Jamieson-Petonic. Studies have shown that people living with COPD have low levels of these antioxidant-rich vitamins, and this deficiency can result in decreased lung function, says the National Emphysem Foundation (NEF). There’s also evidence that sticking to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables — a good source of vitamins A, C, and E — can improve lung function in people with COPD, the organization notes. You can get vitamins A, C, and E through diet, especially if you eat colorful fresh fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. You may need to add supplements, though, if you’re not getting enough. Talk to your doctor about whether taking a multivitamin or any individual antioxidant supplements may make sense for you, advises Jamieson-Petonic. RELATED: 15 Superfoods and the Scientific Reasons to Eat Them

Calcium

Calcium helps the lungs function, and is also important for bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, long-term use of steroids can cause you to lose calcium, says the ALA. If you take steroids for your COPD, it’s important to increase your calcium intake. You can do this by reaching for more calcium-rich foods and drinks, such as milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens (like collard greens, kale, and bok choy). If you struggle to get enough of this mineral in your diet, talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good choices, says the ALA.

Vitamin D

More than half of COPD and emphysema patients develop a vitamin D deficiency at some point, and this can contribute to a decline in lung function over time, says the NEA. Research has shown that low vitamin D can increase your chances of a sudden worsening or exacerbation of COPD symptoms (also known as a lung attack), which can be fatal. A study published in March 2019 in the journal Thorax found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a 45 percent reduction in moderate to severe lung attacks among COPD patients who were deficient in vitamin D. You can get vitamin D through diet. Good sources include milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D, vitamin D–fortified orange juice, salmon, and sardines. Your skin makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, so try to get outdoors and soak up some sunshine for 20 to 30 minutes each day, advises the NEF.  And, if you smoke, try to quit (smoking impairs vitamin D absorption). You may also want to talk to your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric — called curcumin — is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, says the Mayo Clinic. Several small studies have found that taking a curcumin supplement may benefit people with COPD by reducing inflammation in the lungs, according to an article published in July 2019 in the journal European Cardiology Review. While research on the role of turmeric in treating COPD is still in the early stages, it can’t hurt (and could potentially help) to get more of this Indian spice in your diet, says Jamieson-Petonic. You can do this by generously sprinkling turmeric on foods, like rice, scrambled eggs, frittatas, curries, soups, and tomato sauce, and even adding it to smoothies. You can also add the spice to hot water to make turmeric tea. If you’re thinking about going the supplement route, talk to your doctor first. High doses of curcumin can act as a blood thinner. Curcumin can also interact with certain medications. Additional reporting by Julia Califano.