Study: Antioxidants may help lung function

April 18, 1998
Web posted at: 11:20 p.m. EDT (0320 GMT)

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -- Diets rich in chemicals called antioxidants are linked to improved lung function and may prevent respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, researchers said Saturday.

A study prepared by the Cornell University researchers also suggested that the effects of antioxidants on a person's lungs differ according to whether or not they smoke.

In findings presented to a meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the researchers said there are significant benefits associated with consuming high levels of antioxidants like beta carotene and selenium -- substances that protect cells from biochemical damage.

Patricia Cassano, an epidemiologist in Cornell's Division of Nutritional Sciences, said the positive aspects of consuming foods containing antioxidants were comparable to the difference in lung function between a nonsmoker and a long-term smoker.

Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

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