Vitamin C Prevents Lung Disease

VITAMIN C PREVENTS LUNG DISEASE

Individuals who consume the most vitamin C have healthier lungs, according to a recent follow-up study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Past studies indicate that vitamin C and other antioxidant vitamins and minerals may prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of illnesses that includes bronchitis and emphysema. These antioxidants are thought to keep lungs healthy because they can quench free radicals that contribute to aging and disease.

In their first study conducted in 1991, scientists at the University of Nottingham in the UK studied more than 2,600 adults and found that high levels of vitamin C and magnesium both corresponded with healthier lungs based on a measure of lung function called forced expiratory volume 1, or FEV1. Nine years later, in a recently published study, the researchers followed up with slightly more than half of the original study subjects. The follow-up confirmed the results of the initial findings.

The researchers concluded that high vitamin C and magnesium intake are linked to more efficient lung function, especially vitamin C. During the 9 years between the first study and follow-up, the subjects with higher intake of vitamin C experienced less severe lung function decline than those with lower levels of intake.

Reference:

McKeever TM, Scrivener S, Broadfield E, Jones Z, Britton J, Lewis SA. Prospective study of diet and decline in lung function in a general population. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002 May 1;165(9):1299-303.

The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

Copyright 2001 by Vitamin Research Products, Inc. (VRP) The use of information found in Vitamin Research News for commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission from VRP.