Nutritional problems in smokers and passive smokers

Abstract

Objective: active or passive tobacco use affects a high percentage of individuals and is associated with various health risks. The aim of this review was to look more closely at the nutritional problems that are specific of smokers, which may harm their health. Methods: a bibliographic search related to the topic. Results: smokers consume lower amounts of various foods, especially fruits, vegetables, cereals and dairy. As a result, their intake of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals is lower than that observed in non-smokers. Their consumption of meat, caffeine and alcohol is usually higher, and their activity lower than those of non-smokers, coexisting in smokers unhealthy behaviors that contribute to harming their health and quality of life. Oxidative stress and metabolic changes render the needs for some nutrients higher in smokers to achieve the same biochemical situation as in non-smokers. Recommended intakes of vitamin C have increased, but it will probably be necessary to also increase the intakes of other nutrients. In general, smokers suffer from deficiencies more frequently (vitamins C, E, β-carotene, B1, B2, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, etc.) than non-smokers. Passive smokers are also affected in their eating habits and nutritional status. Conclusions: the worse nutritional status of smokers can contribute to the appearance/worsening of various diseases associated with smoking (cardiovascular, cancer, cataracts, osteoporosis, etc.); therefore, nutritional surveillance and correction of nutritional deficiencies could represents health benefits for smokers and passive smokers, which should be considered in the future.