Administering an antioxidant-enriched vitamin may decrease respiratory exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and the digestive system.
People with cystic fibrosis typically experience chronic bacterial infections, which lead to inflammation and the release of vast amounts of reactive oxygen species in the airways.
While normally the body would marshal an antioxidant defence to neutralize this oxidant stress, but cystic fibrosis is characterized by dietary antioxidant deficiencies. This contributes to an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and more inflammation, which leads to lung damage and a progressive loss of lung function.
For the study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the team included nearly 100 patients for a 16-week study where 53 per cent of the antioxidant-treated group experienced 28 exacerbations, compared to 68 per cent of the control group who experienced 39 exacerbations.
Improving antioxidant status in cystic fibrosis is an important clinical goal and may have a positive effect on health.
FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DR GOVIND SHUKLA, NUTRITION EXPERT
Govind Shukla, Specializes in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Nutraceuticals & Herbal Drugs has published More than 100 research papers in National & International Journals. He is also a reviewer of International Journal of Pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, Chief editor of IJPNR Journal & Freelance Medical Writer for Different publication Groups including Lambert Academic Publishing Saarbrucken, Germany.
