High Fruit Intake May Mitigate Air Pollution's Harmful Effects on Lung Function: Pimpika Kaewsri, MSc

Can the effects of air pollution on lung function be modified? According to new research, data suggest that certain food components like fruits and vegetables may offer protective effects. Specifically, a diet high in fruit may help lessen the harmful impact of air pollution on lung function in women, explained Pimpika Kaewsri, MSc, and a PhD candidate at the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability at the University of Leicester in the UK, at the European Respiratory Society Congress 2025.

Highlighted in the congress' press program, Kaewsri’s presentation, “Does Diet Modify the Effects of Air Pollution on Lung Function? A Large Cross-Sectional Study,” was part of a forum that examined the impacts of diet, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and socioeconomic status on respiratory health. Here she also explores potential reasons for the different results observed between women and men.

This transcript was lightly edited for clarity; captions were auto-generated.

Transcript

Can you explain what your research has shown about the relationship between fruit intake and lung function in individuals exposed to air pollution?

The poster that I'm presenting at the European Respiratory Congress is on the research that we're investigating whether diet can modify the effects of air pollution on lung function. The findings that I would like to highlight are that a diet high in fruits may mitigate the effects of air pollution on lung function in women.

We found that a better diet is generally associated with better lung function; however, we didn't see immediate effects of better diet on the effects of air pollution on lung function. However, we found that specific food components such as fruits and vegetables seem to have protective effects against air pollution on lung function.

What might be potential reasons for the different results you saw between women and men?

The differences in fruit intake are still the main reason that we speculate. However, there may be other factors as well, so my ongoing research is also looking at genetic contributions in how this may be the case. Also, there could be differences in sensitivity to air pollution between men and women. For example, men tend to have occupations that are exposed to high levels of air pollution, such as driving, construction work, or welding. These may make them more susceptible to air pollution, and they may not be fully benefitted from the antioxidants.

For our study, it is emphasized that even if you have a better diet or higher fruit intake groups, you are still affected by air pollution either way. It is even emphasized that reduction of air pollution should still remain the top priority.