Abstract
The relationship between lung function decline and dietary antioxidants over 10 years in adults from three European countries was investigated.In 2002, adults from three participating countries of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) answered a questionnaire and underwent spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)), which were repeated 10 years later. Dietary intake was estimated at baseline with food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Associations between annual lung function decline (mL) and diet (tertiles) were examined with multivariable analyses. Simes’ procedure was applied to control for multiple testing.A total of 680 individuals (baseline mean age 43.8±6.6 years) were included. A per-tertile increase in apple and banana intake was associated with a 3.59 mL·year−1 (95% CI 0.40, 7.68) and 3.69 mL·year−1 (95% CI 0.25, 7.14) slower decline in FEV1 and FVC, respectively. Tomato intake was also associated with a slower decline in FVC (4.5 mL·year−1; 95% CI 1.28, 8.02). Only the association with tomato intake remained statistically significant after the Simes’ procedure was performed. Subgroup analyses showed that apple, banana and tomato intake were all associated with a slower decline in FVC in ex-smokers.Intake of fruits and tomatoes might delay lung function decline in adults, particularly in ex-smokers.
Highlights
Lung function is a predictor of mortality in the general population, as well as in patients with lung disease, even in those who have never smoked [1]
A 4-year follow-up study showed that having a higher intake of antioxidant nutrients was associated with an attenuated decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in ex- and current-smokers, compared to those who had a lower intake [8], whilst other studies have shown a positive association between serum vitamin E [9] and lung function decline, or no effect of vitamin E supplementation on lung function [10]
Our findings suggest that a higher total intake of fruits, and of apples in middle-aged adults in Europe, was associated with a slower FEV1 decline; whilst the intake of apples, bananas, tomatoes, herbal tea and vitamin C was associated with a slower forced vital capacity (FVC) decline
Summary
Lung function is a predictor of mortality in the general population, as well as in patients with lung disease, even in those who have never smoked [1]. Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence has shown a positive association between forced vital capacity (FVC) and higher fruit and flavonoid intake in young [4], middle-aged [5] and elderly adults [6]. In older adults, a ‘prudent’ dietary pattern, characterised by a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, has been associated with better lung function and a lower prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [7]. A 4-year follow-up study showed that having a higher intake of antioxidant nutrients was associated with an attenuated decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in ex- and current-smokers, compared to those who had a lower intake [8], whilst other studies have shown a positive association between serum vitamin E [9] and lung function decline, or no effect of vitamin E supplementation on lung function [10]
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