Teens On Poor Diets Suffer Increased Respiratory Symptoms

[Guest guest]

Teens On Poor Diets Suffer Increased Respiratory Symptoms

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=76366

Teenagers who forego a healthy and balanced diet may have a harder

time catching their breath. A new study, published in the July issue

of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest

Physicians (ACCP), shows that a low dietary intake of certain

nutrients increases the likelihood of respiratory symptoms such as

asthma, especially in teens who smoke. Furthermore, a lack of these

nutrients may also lead to lower lung function.

" 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, " said lead study author Jane Burns, ScD,

Harvard School of Public Health. " 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. "

While observing 12th-grade students from 12 communities around the

US and Canada, Dr. Burns and her colleagues from the Harvard School

of Public Health, Health Canada, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), examined the associations

of low dietary nutrient intake with low pulmonary function and

respiratory symptoms. Over the period of one school year, 2,112

students completed a standardized respiratory questionnaire and a

dietary questionnaire. They also answered questions about medication

use, smoking habits, and recent exercise, before participating in

lung function testing. Dr. Burns explained 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

were observing a time when lung function was close to its optimal

capacity, " she said. " 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 was

overweight, and 72% did not consume multivitamins. Also, nearly 25%

reported smoking on a daily basis. Researchers also 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, " said Dr. Burns, " and surprisingly, even relatively low

levels of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to protect teens from higher

reported respiratory symptoms. "

Results showed that low dietary intakes of fruit, vitamins C and E,

and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with decreased lung function

and a greater risk of chronic bronchitic symptoms, wheeze, and

asthma. These risks were further increased among students with the

lowest intakes and who also smoked.

" 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, " said Dr.

Burns. " 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. " Researchers emphasized that

fresh fruits make for convenient snacks. They also suggest preparing

a simple, daily family meal, as a method to promote both

communication and good nutrition.

" A balanced diet is not only good for lung health, but for general

health, " said Mark J. Rosen, MD, FCCP, President of the American

College of Chest Physicians. " Parents and physicians should work

together to monitor and maintain healthy diets and lifestyles for

children of all ages. "