Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSVitamin E may reduce COPD risk
Regular use of vitamin E can protect women over 45 from developing lung disease, a new study has suggested.
The research, from Cornell University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, found that sustained use of the vitamin over a long period could decrease the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The risk was reduced by about 10%, for both smokers and non-smokers, as long as they regularly used the vitamin.
Anne Hermetet Agler, doctoral candidate with Cornell University’s Division of Nutritional Sciences, said: “As lung disease develops, damage occurs to sensitive tissues through several proposed processes, including inflammation and damage from free radicals. Vitamin E may protect the lung against such damage.”
The researchers studied data collated by the Women’s Health Study, which focused on how aspirin and vitamin E may prevent heart problems and cancer in 40,000 women over 45.
They also found that while the vitamin had a positive effect on COPD, it did not help reduce cases of asthma.
Their results were to be presented at the ATS 2010 International Conference in New Orleans.
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Readers' comments (1)
Helen Jeffers | 25-May-2010 9:17 am
Are there any benefits to males ? or was this research just for females
Thank
Helen Jeffers
Respiratory Research Nurse
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