A multivariate analysis of serum nutrient levels and lung function.
BACKGROUND
There is mounting evidence that estimates of intakes of a range of dietary nutrients are related to both lung function level and rate of decline, but far less evidence on the relation between lung function and objective measures of serum levels of individual nutrients. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the independent associations of a wide range of serum markers of nutritional status with lung function, measured as the one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1).


METHODS
Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a US population-based cross-sectional study, we investigated the relation between 21 serum markers of potentially relevant nutrients and FEV1, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Systematic approaches were used to guide the analysis.


RESULTS
In a mutually adjusted model, higher serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E), selenium, normalized calcium, chloride, and iron were independently associated with higher levels of FEV1. Higher concentrations of potassium and sodium were associated with lower FEV1.


CONCLUSIONS
Maintaining higher serum concentrations of dietary antioxidant vitamins and selenium is potentially beneficial to lung health. In addition other novel associations found in this study merit further investigation.
McKeever
Tricia M
TM
Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Tricia.McKeever@nottingham.ac.uk
Lewis
Sarah A
SA
Smit
Henriette A
HA
Burney
Peter
P
Cassano
Patricia A
PA
Britton
John
J
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000975:Antioxidants