Lee Swanson Research Update

Antioxidant Levels May Be Key to Severity of Asthma

November 2005

asthma

"Low antioxidant levels and oxidative stress due to airway inflammation may be important determinants of asthma severity," according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Twenty-eight severe and 53 mild-to-moderate asthmatic patients and 43 nonasthmatic patients participated in the study. Dietary antioxidant intakes and asthma severity were assessed using questionnaires. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin K, carotenoids, bilirubin, albumin, uric acid and total antioxidant status were measured.

Researchers found that vitamin C and carotene intakes were lower in males than females and were particularly low in males with severe asthma. Vitamin C levels were lower in all subjects with severe asthma than in those with a mild-to-moderate case.

Researchers concluded, "Low plasma concentrations of specific antioxidants are associated with more severe asthma. Increased antioxidant intake may help reduce the burden of severe asthma, particularly in males."

European Respiratory Journal 26(2):257-264, 2005

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service