Humans can absorb essential nutrients such as iodine, zinc, manganese, and vitamins from the air, termed 'aeronutrients'. Research suggests that breathing in these nutrients supplements our diet and may have health benefits.
Key Points
Breathing supplements our diet with essential nutrients like iodine, zinc, manganese, and vitamins
Airborne iodine from seaweed-rich areas may help supplement dietary iodine
Aeronutrients can enter the body through the nose, lungs, olfactory epithelium, and oropharynx
Further research is required to identify beneficial components of air and their classification as aeronutrients
Pros
Breathing in essential nutrients like iodine, zinc, and vitamins can supplement our diet
Research indicates potential health benefits of absorbing nutrients from the air
Cons
There are still unknowns about the specific components of air that qualify as aeronutrients
Further research is needed to determine the safety, dosage, and impact of aeronutrients on health