Vitamin C Supports Lung Health in Children

A recent clinical trial demonstrated that vitamin C enhanced lung function in children with suboptimal lung health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity.

Sixty children between 7 and 10 years of age were evaluated for lung function. The children received 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily or placebo for six weeks followed by the opposite treatment for an additional six weeks. The children were evaluated using a questionnaire to assess lung function, with a score of less than 20 indicating suboptimal symptom control. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), a measurement indicating the amount of restriction in the lungs, was also assessed.

The results of the study showed that in the children between 7 and 8.2 years of age with an initial questionnaire score of 18-19, vitamin C supplementation increased their score by 4.2 points, indicating enhanced lung function. In the children between 8.3 and 10 years of age with an initial questionnaire score of 14-15, vitamin C supplementation increased their score by 1.3 points.

In the children 7-8.2 years of age with no exposure to dampness, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the FEV1 by 37 percent, indicating less restriction in the lungs. In the children 8.3 to 10 years of age with exposure to dampness in their bedroom, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the FEV1 by 21 percent.

The researchers stated that this study provides evidence that vitamin C enhances lung function in some children requiring support for lung health, and further research is indicated to determine which children will receive the greatest benefit.

Reference:

Hemila H, Al-Biltagi M, Baset A. Vitamin C and asthma in children: modification of the effect by age, exposure to dampness and the severity of asthma. Clin Transl Allergy. 2011 Aug 25. Published Online Ahead of Print.