Long live your lungs

Long live your lungs

Lung function deteriorates as we age, and this is true of everyone, even those who don’t smoke. But a steady intake of certain nutrients can minimize the deterioration.

As we saw in yesterday’s e-Alert “Cell Protector” (4/3/06), carotenoid supplements – especially beta-carotene – may protect lymphocyte cells from DNA damage. A new study from the University of Medicine Bichat in Paris shows how beta-carotene may also help protect the lungs.

In 1992, researchers examined blood samples of more than 1,190 subjects. Lung function was also assessed with an FEV1 test, which measures the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled in one second. Eight years later, 535 subjects participated in follow up tests. About 40 percent of the subjects were lifelong non-smokers.

Results showed that among all subjects who increased their beta-carotene levels over eight years, lung function declined more slowly than those with the lowest beta-carotene levels. Steepest decline in lung function was seen in smoking subjects who had the lowest vitamin E and beta-carotene levels, but high levels of these nutrients in smokers had a protective effect.

Lead researcher Armelle Guenejou told NutraIngredients that the results “strongly suggest that beta-carotene protects lung function in the general population.”

Some studies have shown that smokers with a high intake of beta-carotene may be at greater risk of developing lung cancer, but new evidence contradicts that finding. In a 2005 study, beta-carotene intake was linked to a lower risk of cancer death even among smokers. And this finding is supported by a more recent study conducted in France. Researchers believe high levels of beta-carotene alone may pose a danger for smokers, but when beta-carotene is consumed with other antioxidant-rich foods the danger appears to be significantly reduced.

For more information about prevention of lung function decline, see the e-Alert “C-ing Stars” (6/12/02), which you can find at this link: http://www.hsionline.com/ealerts/ea200206/ea20020612.html

Sources:
“Serum Carotenoids, Vitamins A and E, and 8 Year Lung Function Decline in a General Population” Thorax, Vol. 61, No. 4, April 2006, thorax.bmjjournals.com
“Beta-Carotene Could Slow Down Lung Aging” NutraIngredients, 3/23/06, nutraingredients.com