Ascorbic acid supplementation attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma

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Ascorbic acid supplementation attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma

Tecklenburg et al., 2007 | Respir Med | Rct

Citation

Tecklenburg Sandra L, Mickleborough Timothy D, ... Stager Joel M. Ascorbic acid supplementation attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. Respir Med. 2007-Aug;101(8):1770-8

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that diet can modify the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatic subjects. OBJECTIVE: Determine the effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on pulmonary function and several urinary markers of airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). METHODS: Eight asthmatic subjects with documented EIB participated in a randomized, placebo controlled double-blind crossover trial. Subjects entered the study on their usual diet and were placed on either 2 weeks of ascorbic acid supplementation (1500 mg/day) or placebo, followed by a 1-week washout period, before crossing over to the alternative diet. Pre- and post-exercise pulmonary function, asthma symptom scores, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and urinary leukotriene (LT) C4-E4 and 9alpha, 11beta-prostagladin (PG) F2] were assessed at the beginning of the trial (usual diet) and at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: The ascorbic acid diet significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the maximum fall in post-exercise FEV1 (-6.4 +/- 2.4%) compared to usual (-14.3 +/- 1.6%) and placebo diet (-12.9 +/- 2.4%). Asthma symptoms scores significantly improved (p<0.05) on the ascorbic acid diet compared to the placebo and usual diet. Post-exercise FENO, LTC4-E4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2 concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the ascorbic acid diet compared to the placebo and usual diet. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid supplementation provides a protective effect against exercise-induced airway narrowing in asthmatic subjects.

Key Findings

The ascorbic acid diet significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the maximum fall in post-exercise FEV1 (-6.4 +/- 2.4%) compared to usual (-14.3 +/- 1.6%) and placebo diet (-12.9 +/- 2.4%). Asthma symptoms scores significantly improved (p<0.05) on the ascorbic acid diet compared to the placebo and usual diet. Post-exercise FENO, LTC4-E4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2 concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) on the ascorbic acid diet compared to the placebo and usual diet.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population exercise
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Asthma
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced
  • Bronchoconstriction
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Respiratory Function Tests

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-c-exercise

Provenance

  • PMID: 17412579
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09