THE EFFECT OF ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL AND BETA-CAROTENE SUPPLEMENTATION ON COPD SYMPTOMS

The effects of alpha-tocopherol (50 mg/d) and beta-carotene (20 mg/d) supplementation on symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease w ere studied among the 29, 133 participants of the Alpha-Tocopherol Bet a-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study undertaken to investigate the effec ts of these two substances in the prevention of lung and other cancers . During the follow-up the supplementations did not affect the recurre nce or incidence of chronic cough, phlegm, or dyspnea. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis and dyspnea at baseline was lower among those wi th high dietary intake of beta-carotene (OR = 0.78 and 0.67, respectiv ely) or vitamin E (OR = 0.87 and 0.77) and high serum beta-carotene (O R = 0.59 and 0.62) and alpha-tocopherol (OR = 0.76 and 0.82). High int ake and serum levels of retinol were associated with low prevalence of dyspnea (OR = 0.84 and 0.80, respectively) but not with chronic bronc hitis. The results indicate no benefit from supplementation with alpha -tocopherol or beta-carotene on the symptoms of chronic obstructive pu lmonary disorders but support the beneficial effect of dietary intake of fruits and vegetables rich in these compounds.