Lung Function Decline Delayed by Tomato, Apple Intake
Consuming fruit and tomatoes could help to delay lung function decline in older adults and ex-smokers, according to the results of a recent study.
Several previous studies have investigated the effects of diet on lung health. In a recent study, researchers specifically investigated whether intake of dietary antioxidants affected ageing-related lung function decline.
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A total of 680 participants were included in the study. All participants underwent spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] and forced vital capacity (FVC), then underwent the same tests 10 years later. A food questionnaire was used to establish dietary intake.
Overall, 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, and tomato intake was associated with a 4.5 mL·year−1; 95% CI 1.28, 8.02 slower decline in FVC.
However, only the association with tomato intake remained statistically significant after the researchers performed the Simes’ procedure. Subgroup analysis showed that intake of all 3 foods was associated with slower decline in ex-smokers.
“In conclusion, our study suggests that dietary factors might play a role in preserving ventilatory function in adults, by slowing down a decline in lung function. In particular, dietary antioxidants possibly contribute to restoration, following damage caused by exposure to smoking, among adults who have quit,” the researchers wrote.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Garcia-Larsen V, Potts JF, Omenaas E, et al. Dietary antioxidants and 10-year lung function decline in adults from the ECRHS survey [published online December 21, 2017]. ERJ. Doi.https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02286-2016.