W. Sumera, M.Sc.

Journal of Cellular Medicine and Natural Health, July 2018

Abstract:

Air pollution is a major environmental risk to human health and well-being. According to WHO reports in 2012, ambient (outdoor) and indoor air pollution was linked to 7 million premature deaths worldwide. Most were attributed to cardiovascular diseases (stroke and ischemic heart disease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute lower respiratory infections in children. Yet, 92% of the world population lives in places that exceed the WHO air quality guidelines. On the other hand, laboratory and clinical studies indicate that a nutritious diet and/or intake of micronutrients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, may ameliorate many harmful health effects caused by polluted air.

In Part I of this review published in the Journal of Cellular Medicine and Natural Health (JCM&NH) Issue 4, we discussed cellular and health aspects associated with human exposure to polluted air. Part II presents an overview of potential biological mechanisms underlying the protective effects of vitamins B, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and sulforaphane against air pollutants, as demonstrated in human studies.

Full Study: