DIETARY-INTAKE OF ANTIOXIDANT (PRO)-VITAMINS, RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY-FUNCTION - THE MORGEN STUDY

Background--A study was undertaken to investigate the relationships be tween the intake of the antioxidant (pro)-vitamins C, E and beta-carot ene and the presence of respiratory symptoms and lung function. Method s-Complete data were collected in a cross sectional study in a random sample of the Dutch population on 6555 adults during 1994 and 1995, An tioxidant intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency qu estionnaire and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, productive cough, wheeze, shortness of breath) were assessed by a self-administered que stionnaire, Prevalence odds ratios for symptoms were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Linear regression analysis was used for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacit y (FVC). The results are presented as a comparison between the 90th an d 10th percentiles of antioxidant intake. Results--Vitamin C intake wa s not associated with most symptoms but was inversely related with cou gh. Subjects with a high intake of vitamin C had a 53 ml (95% CI 23 to 83) higher FEV1 and 79 ml (95% CI 42 to 116) higher FVC than those wi th a law vitamin C intake. Vitamin E intake showed no association with most symptoms and lung function, but had a positive association with productive cough. The intake of beta-carotene was not associated with most symptoms but had a positive association with wheeze. However, sub jects with a high intake of a beta-carotene had a 60 ml (95% CI 31 to 89) higher FEV1 and 75 ml (95% CI 40 to 110) higher FVC than those wit h a low intake of beta-carotene. Conclusions--The results of this stud y suggest that a high intake of vitamin C or beta-carotene is protecti ve for FEV1 and FVC compared with a law intake, but not for respirator y symptoms.