Final answer:
Smokers should increase their intake of Vitamin E by 35 milligrams per day above the RDA to combat damage caused by free radicals in lung cells. Vitamin E is crucial for reducing oxidative damage and supporting the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smoking increases the exposure of the lungs to free radicals, which can lead to oxidative damage of cells. To help counteract this, smokers should increase their intake of Vitamin E by 35 milligrams per day above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). This nutrient is vital to the immune system and helps prevent lung damage from pollutants. Vitamin E, along with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and sulfur-containing amino acids, can protect polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cell membranes from oxidative damage by preventing the formation of peroxides. Tobacco smoke is not only a major cause of chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, but it also increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, influenza, and other infectious diseases.