Unlocking the Mystery of Aeronutrients: Could Breathing in Nature Provide Essential Nutrients?
Could aeronutrients explain the benefits of being in nature?
Daniel Ernst/Stills
A decade ago, a sensational story about a couple claiming to survive on air and sunlight made headlines, sparking debates about the possibility of extracting nutrients from the environment. While the concept of “breatharians” living solely on air remains controversial and scientifically unfounded, recent research suggests that there may be some truth to the idea of deriving nutrients from the air we breathe.
Dr. Flávia Fayet-Moore, a nutrition scientist at the University of Newcastle in Australia, explains, “The evidence shows very clearly that we can absorb nutrients from the air we breathe.” This emerging field of study, known as aeronutrients, explores the potential health benefits of substances present in the air.
On a daily basis, humans inhale approximately 7000 to 8000 liters of air, consisting of various gases and particles. While oxygen is the primary component essential for respiration, researchers are investigating the presence of micronutrients and bioactive compounds in the air that could potentially contribute to our overall health.
