Canterbury: A substantial University of Canterbury smoking trial has begun to see
if smokers are more likely to quit if they consume micronutrients. Principal investigator and doctoral student Phillipa Newton wants to
find out the impact that micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and amino
acids) have on quit attempts made and long-term abstinence of smoking.
Her study is being supervised by psychology professors Neville Blampied
and Julia Rucklidge.
Christchurch residents who want to stop smoking with the help of her
research can visit the university’s mental health and nutrition research
group’s website for more information: http://bit.ly/smokingandnutrition.
About a third of adults in the world are smokers. A recent Australian
study that followed over 200,000 Australians found that up to two in
every three smokers will die from a smoking-related illness if they
continue to smoke.
Newton says smoking is a deadly worldwide epidemic and more than 60
percent of former Christchurch smokers have taken up smoking again since
the earthquakes which has resulted in a demand for ways to help people
quit smoking.
Despite the negative consequences of ill-health, premature death and
economic cost people continue to smoke because tobacco contains the
highly addictive substance nicotine.
”If smoking rates are going to decrease, treatment options that are
safe and effective deserve to be explored. Smoking interventions need to
assist smokers to make a quit-attempt and remain smoke-free long term.
“Previous research on addiction has shown that relapse rates and
alcohol and opiate withdrawal symptoms can be reduced and psychological
functioning can be improved when taking micronutrients. In 2013 I
conducted a pilot smoking cessation study and found that nutritional
supplements were a viable way forward to help people quit smoking.”
Newton has launched a much larger study to further investigate if
micronutrients help people to quit smoking and stay smoke-free long term
when compared to a control group taking a placebo.
“As part of the study I will monitor craving and withdrawal with the
intention to determine whether micronutrients will decrease these
symptoms making it easier to remain abstinent,” Newton says.
Her study is using a broad spectrum micronutrient formula that
contains an array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. These nutrients
are essential for optimal brain health.
"Smoking is a major issue in New Zealand. It costs government over
$1.5 billion a year because of early death, loss of production due to
illness and smoking-related healthcare costs. Tobacco use is the leading
cause of preventable death in New Zealand accounting for around 4300 to
4600 deaths a year. Second-hand smoke is the leading environmental
cause of preventable death in New Zealand and kills around 350 people a
year.”
For further information please contact:
Kip Brook
Media Consultant
Student Services and Communications
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 3325
Mobile: 027 5030 168
kip.brook@canterbury.ac.nz