Lung function and blood levels of copper, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E in the general population.
BACKGROUND
Increased dietary intake of antioxidants has been associated with higher lung function, but few studies have used biological markers of antioxidant intake.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine if antioxidant status, as measured by blood levels, influences lung function.


METHODS
Using a random subsample of 479 participants, aged 18-65 y old, from a larger cross-sectional observational study, the association of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) with plasma copper, vitamin C, vitamin E and serum selenium was assessed.


RESULTS
An s.d. increase in blood copper level was associated with a difference in FEV1 of -48 ml (95% confidence intervals: -95, -2 ml, P = 0.04), vitamin C +49 ml (+4, +94, P = 0.03), vitamin E -15 ml (-62, +32, P = 0.53) and selenium +52 ml (+7, +96, P = 0.02). The sizes of association were not appreciably altered in a mutually adjusted model.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher levels of serum vitamin C and selenium appear to be associated with higher FEV1. The association between higher serum copper and lower FEV1 requires further study in view of the ubiquitous exposure to this mineral.
Pearson
P
P
Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Britton
J
J
McKeever
T
T
Lewis
S A
SA
Weiss
S
S
Pavord
I
I
Fogarty
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
D000975:Antioxidants; D014810:Vitamin E; D003300:Copper; D012643:Selenium; D001205:Ascorbic Acid