Vitamin supplementation does not protect against symptoms in ozone-responsive subjects.
Vitamin supplements have been reported to reduce the magnitude of symptoms in subjects exposed to oxidant air pollution. To confirm whether supplementation with vitamins C and E could reduce lung function decrements, airway inflammation, and epithelial injury in subjects sensitive to ozone, a double-blinded, crossover control study was performed. Fourteen ozone-responsive subjects were randomly exposed to both air and ozone (0.2 ppm for 2 h) after 7 days of either placebo treatment or supplementation with vitamin C (500 mg/day) and E (100 mg/day). Lung function was assessed pre- and immediately postexposure and blood samples were taken at set intervals. Inflammatory, tissue injury, and antioxidant responses were examined in lavage fluid obtained by bronchoscopy 6 h postexposure. Exposure to ozone resulted in significant (P < 0.01) decrements in FEV1 with no protection observed following vitamin supplementation (-8.5%) versus placebo (-7.3%) treatment. Similarly, ozone-induced neutrophilia were of a similar magnitude after both treatments (P < 0.05). This lack of protection was observed despite elevated plasma vitamin C (+60.1%) and vitamin E (+51.4%) concentrations following supplementation, and increased vitamin C concentrations in the airways after supplementation following ozone exposure. These data do not therefore support the contention that acute ozone-induced symptoms can be attenuated through the use of dietary antioxidants in well-nourished individuals.
Mudway
Ian S
IS
Lung Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Kings' College London, London, UK.
Behndig
Annelie F
AF
Helleday
Ragnberth
R
Pourazar
Jamshid
J
Frew
Anthony J
AJ
Kelly
Frank J
FJ
Blomberg
Anders
A
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D010126:Ozone / Q000633:toxicity*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D014815:Vitamins; D014810:Vitamin E; D010126:Ozone; D001205:Ascorbic Acid