Vitamin C and E supplementation can reduce inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients

According to a study conducted by Oregon State University, patients of cystic fibrosis can benefit greatly by taking vitamin C and E supplements as these help in reducing inflammation and related oxidative stress.

The findings of the study were published in the journal, Nutrients. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease marked by lung inflammation and mucus build up, leading to airway blockage. Other than oxidative stress, cystic fibrosis is characterized by problems with fat absorption. This, in turn, restricts uptake of vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin. A patient’s daily requirement of this vitamin is 400mg. This study looked into the role of how vitamin C supplements helped in better absorption of vitamin E.

Post 3.5 weeks of daily intake of 1000mg of vitamin C, it was found that the patients showed a marked decrease in vitamin E elimination from their bloodstream. As a result, vitamin E gets into tissues better and protects cell membranes from oxidative stress, thereby improving the condition of patients with cystic fibrosis.

References:

Maret G. Traber, Scott W. Leonard, Vihas T. Vasu, Brian M. Morrissey, Huangshu (John) Lei, Jeffrey Atkinson, Carroll E. Cross. α-Tocopherol Pharmacokinetics in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Benefits of Supplemental Vitamin C Administration. Nutrients, 2022; 14 (18): 3717 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183717. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220929133437.htm.