Poor teen diet can lower lung function

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Oct, 2007

Teenagers who forego a healthy and balanced diet may have a harder time catching their breath, contends a study by the American College of Chest Physicians, Northbrook, Ill. It maintains that a low dietary intake of certain nutrients increases the likelihood of respiratory symptoms, especially in teens who smoke. Furthermore, a lack of these nutrients may lead to lower lung function and a greater risk of chronic bronchitic symptoms, wheeze, and asthma.

"Our study, as well as other research, suggests that higher intakes of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory micronutrients are associated with lower reports of cough, respiratory infections, and less severe asthma-related symptoms," asserts lead study author Jane Burns of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. "Teenagers who have low dietary intakes of fruit, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids are at greater risk of having asthma, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, composed of whole foods."

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Burns explains that the researchers focused on teens because it is the ideal age at which to test lung capacity and eating habits. "During late adolescence, physical stature has, on average, been attained and lung growth closely parallels this growth. Therefore, we are observing a time when lung function was close to its optimal capacity," she notes. "Also, although our diet survey targeted eating habits only during the past year, it did give us some idea of the teens' general past diet. However, their current respiratory health may be a reflection of diet during childhood, as well as during the past year."

The majority of adolescents in the study were white; one-third were overweight; and 72% did not consume multivitamins. Also, nearly 25% reported smoking on a daily basis. Researchers found that at least one-third of the students' diets were below the recommended levels of fruit, vegetable, vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acid intake.

"Vitamin supplements can help teens meet their daily recommended levels," advises Burns, "and surprisingly, even relatively low levels of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to protect teens from higher reported respiratory symptoms.

"I wish we could say that an apple a day can keep asthma away, but it's a complex disease with a genetic component. However, it may be that certain foods can lessen or prevent asthma symptoms. The most important thing to remember is that diet can have a significant impact on teens' respiratory health. I would encourage them to make healthy eating a part of their daily routine, and stress to them that smoking is bad."