The simple act of breathing is something we often take for granted, but what if the air around us held more than just the oxygen we need to survive? What if it could actually supplement our diet with essential nutrients? This intriguing concept is not just a flight of fancy but is grounded in emerging scientific research that suggests the air we breathe could be an overlooked source of nutritional value.

In a recent perspective article published in Advances in Nutrition, researchers introduced the term 'aeronutrients' to describe the nutrients we may absorb from the air we inhale. This is in contrast to 'gastronutrients,' which are the nutrients absorbed through our digestive system. The idea that we could be supplementing our diet with essential elements like iodine, zinc, manganese, and certain vitamins through the simple act of breathing is a fascinating one, and it's backed by a growing body of evidence.


So why is this the first time many of us are hearing about aeronutrients? The answer lies in the fact that breathing is a constant, automatic process. We inhale approximately 9,000 litres of air each day, which means that even trace amounts of nutrients in the air can accumulate significantly over time. Historically, research on air has focused on the negative impacts of pollution and how to filter out harmful substances. The potential benefits of what could be inhaled have been largely overlooked, partly because the quantities of nutrients in a single breath are so small they seemed insignificant.


However, various cultures have long held the belief that fresh air, especially in natural environments, is beneficial to health. Now, science is beginning to validate these traditional views. Oxygen, which is essential for life, is technically a nutrient, although we don't usually think of it as such because it's not something we consume through eating.


The mechanics of how aeronutrients work are intriguing. These substances can be absorbed through the extensive network of tiny blood vessels in our respiratory system, including the nose, lungs, olfactory epithelium, and oropharynx. The lungs are particularly adept at absorbing molecules, even those 260 times larger than what the gut can take in. These molecules enter the bloodstream and even the brain intact, bypassing the digestive process that breaks down substances into their smallest components.

This efficient absorption is why inhaled medications, such as certain anaesthetics, nicotine, and even illicit drugs like cocaine, can have rapid and potent effects at much lower concentrations than if ingested. The gut, while excellent at absorbing nutrients like sugars and amino acids, is less effective at taking up certain substances, which is why there is ongoing research to improve the bioavailability of oral medications.

The evidence supporting the concept of aeronutrients isn't new. Studies dating back to the 1960s have shown that people exposed to iodine in the air, such as laundry workers, had elevated levels of this nutrient in their blood and urine. More recent research in Ireland found that children living near seaweed-rich coastal areas, where atmospheric iodine levels are higher, had more iodine in their urine and were less likely to be deficient than those living further inland, despite no differences in dietary iodine intake.


Other potential aeronutrients include manganese and zinc, which can enter the brain through the olfactory neurons. While manganese is essential, excessive exposure can be harmful, as seen in welders who inhale high levels of manganese and suffer from its accumulation in the brain. The cilia in our respiratory system have receptors that can bind to a variety of nutrients, including choline, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and even amino acids.

Historical research has also demonstrated that aerosolised vitamin B12 can effectively treat deficiencies in this nutrient, which is particularly relevant for populations at risk, such as vegans, older individuals, people with diabetes, and those with high alcohol consumption.

The recognition of aeronutrients opens up a new frontier in nutritional science. We need to identify which components of air in natural settings like forests, oceans, and mountains are beneficial to health. Once these aeronutrients are classified, further research could explore the possibility of creating aerosols from other micronutrients, such as vitamin D, to address widespread deficiencies.


Controlled experiments are necessary to determine the appropriate dosage, safety, and dietary contributions of these aeronutrients. This research is especially pertinent in environments with highly filtered air, such as aeroplanes, hospitals, submarines, and space stations.

The discovery of aeronutrients could revolutionise our understanding of nutrition and disease prevention. In the future, nutritional guidelines might not only recommend a balanced diet but also suggest spending sufficient time in nature to breathe in these beneficial substances.
So, dear readers, as you step outside for a walk in the park or a stroll along the beach, consider the possibility that you're not just getting exercise and relaxation – you might also be nourishing your body with the hidden nutrients in the air you breathe. Have you ever felt rejuvenated after spending time in nature, and do you think aeronutrients might have played a part? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!