| In a study published in the July issue of the journal CHEST, researchers investigated whether low dietary nutrient intakes were associated with lower pulmonary function and higher reporting of respiratory symptoms. Researchers examined the association of dietary factors with respiratory health in a cohort of 2,112 twelfth grade students in communities in the United States and Canada during the 1998 to 1999 school year. Results showed that low dietary fruit intake was associated with lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and increased odds of chronic bronchitic symptoms compared with higher intake. Low dietary omega-3 fatty acids intake was associated with increased odds of chronic bronchitic symptoms, wheeze, and asthma compared with higher intake. The authors concluded that adolescents with the lowest dietary intakes of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory micronutrients had lower pulmonary function and increased respiratory symptoms, especially among smokers, suggesting that adequate dietary intake may promote respiratory health and lessen the effects of oxidative stress. To view the abstract of this study visit http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/132/1/238. |
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