Diet Rich in Vitamin C (and Magnesium for men) Improves Lung Function

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Category: Asthma/Respiratory News

Article 25 Jan 2006 - 0:00am (UK)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier studies have suggested that individuals who consume fewer

fruits and vegetables, and therefore fewer antioxidants such as

vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, are at higher risk of developing

asthma symptoms or reduced lung function.

 

Vitamin C is found in all fruits and vegetables and is in high

concentrations in green peppers, oranges and other citrus fruits and

juices, tomatoes, papaya and watermelon.

 

In the first study to look at this relationship in a healthy, well-

nourished population of young adults, Ira B. Tager and colleagues

from the University of California at Berkeley and San Francisco

studied the effect of diet on lung function in 243 first-year college

students.

 

These students completed a food frequency questionnaire, provided a

sample of their DNA and participated in a test of lung function.

 

The researchers focused on measures that reflect the function of the

smaller airways of the lung due to their importance in asthma, ozone-

induced airway damage, and cigarette smoke-induced chronic

obstructive lung disease.

 

They found that vitamin C intake from foods was associated with

higher lung function, especially among female students.

 

Magnesium, a trace mineral found in peanuts, beans, and dark green

leafy vegetables, was also strongly associated with lung function in

males and to a lesser extent in females.

 

This report adds to a growing body of research suggesting that

dietary antioxidants play an important role in protecting respiratory

health.

 

Title of the original article:

Antioxidant intake, GSTM1 polymorphism and pulmonary function in

healthy young adults