a new study suggests that certain vitamin deficiencies could lead to less lung function among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD ), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
For the study, 20 COPD patients (thirteen women and seven men) filled out a questionnaire to assess dietary intake of vitamins A, C, D, E and selenium that contain antioxidants that protect cells . A diet low in antioxidants, compared with the national requirements of dietary intake, was common among patients.
The following were the percentages of disability: 25 percent (selenium), 45 percent (vitamin C), 90 percent (vitamin E), 55 percent (vitamin A) and 70 percent (vitamin D).
The researchers then measured the maximum amount of air patients could exhale forcefully. Patients in the selenium-deficient diet had reduced lung function. Among patients with deficiency of vitamins A, C and D, only the men had reduced lung function.
The study should be presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), in Vancouver, Canada.
"Our study, along with other research, suggests that strategies should take account of changing diet and supplementation in COPD patients," he said in a news release from the ACCP, Dr. M. Salman Khan Akron City Hospital in Ohio.
"More studies are needed to clarify the role of gender on loss of lung function in COPD and the impact of the intake of antioxidant nutrients, said Khan.
Khan added that antioxidants could also benefit patients with severe asthma.
"We may assume that the role of antioxidant nutrients in a patient with poorly controlled asthma may be less than that observed in COPD patients," said Khan. "However, in severe asthma patients with poorly controlled symptoms and frequent, recurrent exacerbations and intake of antioxidants, it could have much to do with the preservation of lung function."
According to ACCP, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and collects 119.000 deaths each year.
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