ISSN : 2663-2187

The Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Lung Function and Radiological Changes in Smokers: A Multidisciplinary Approach

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Dr Nadia Iqbal, Dr Maryum Imran, Dr Hina Hakim, Dr Sumbul Aqeeq4Dr Shahwar Ahmad, Dr Mohammad Haroon
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.12.2024.6722-6727

Abstract

Background: Antioxidants such as vitamin C, due to their potential benefits in reducing oxidative injury and improving pulmonary outcomes, may be an interesting option to explore and, therefore, can be seen as a plausible candidate to address oxidative stress from smoking. Objectives: To investigate the effect of Vitamin C supplementation on lung function and radiological changes in smokers. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at Swat Medical College from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of sixty-one adult smokers received daily oral vitamin C (500 mg) for six months. The pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry (FEV₁, FVC, and FEV₁/FVC), and structural changes were evaluated through chest X-ray and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT), both at baseline and after supplementation. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using SPSS version 26, and P≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Post-intervention, mean FEV₁ increased from 2.34 ± 0.51 L to 2.58 ± 0.48 L (p = 0.001), FVC from 3.12 ± 0.65 L to 3.34 ± 0.62 L (p = 0.003), and FEV₁/FVC ratio from 75.0% to 77.6% (p = 0.010). Although radiological findings such as hyperinflation and bronchial thickening showed non-significant reductions, they indicated a positive trend toward improvement. Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation significantly improved lung function in smokers, suggesting its role as a beneficial adjunct therapy. Longer-term studies are needed to confirm its impact on structural lung changes.

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