In December 2017 researchers from the USA, UK, Norway Germany and Spain published the results of their study to assess the relationship between lung function decline and dietary antioxidants over a 10-years period. A total of 680 individuals, average age 44 years at study start, were included in the study. At the start of the study, the individuals completed a questionnaire and underwent spirometry which was repeated 10 years later. Information on dietary intake was collected via a food frequency questionnaire. Results showed that an increase in apple and banana intake was associated with a slower decline in forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity whereas tomato consumption was associated with a slower decline in forced vital capacity.
Garcia-Larsen V et al. Dietary antioxidants and 10-year lung function decline in adults from the ECRHS survey. Eur Respir J. 2017 Dec 21;50(6). pii: 1602286