Vitamin C

Vitamin C and lung function in adults:

Vitamin C, respiratory symptoms, and lung function: A vitamin C protective effect against the development of respiratory symptoms was observed in a study of 2,526 adults between 1971 and 1972. This study evaluated vitamin C intake and lung (pulmonary) function using forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), an important measure performance of lung function by amount of air movement within 1 second. After adjusting for variables, dietary vitamin C intake from vegetables was positively and significantly associated with a higher FEV1. Those consuming an average of vitamin C of 17 mg/day, 66 mg/day, or 128 mg/day had average FEV1 values of about 2530 ml, 2550 ml, 2570 ml, respectively. The authors concluded that vitamin C had a protective effect on lung function. This beneficial effect was not restricted to just smokers. Vitamin C intake also appeared to benefit patients with asthma and bronchitis. (1)