The Efficacy of Antioxidant and Polyphenol Rich Fruit Tea on Lung Function in Healthy Individuals.

Abstract

Background: Conclusive evidence reports the benefits of antioxidant and polyphenols on human health. Oxidative stress leads to the development of lung disorders including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder and asthma. Therefore, a diet consisting of high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols may promote lung function and improve health through facilitating the prevention of oxidative stress. There is currently limited research regarding fruit tea and lung function and the association between lung function and fruit tea is yet to be established. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of antioxidant rich fruit tea consumption on lung function in healthy individuals. This was achieved through the use of standard procedures (Folin and FRAP assays) to compare the bioactive compounds present in a variety of Supermarket own brand and named brand fruit teas. Methods: In a randomised, controlled, design, 12 healthy participants (age; 22.673.2) were selected to partake in the consumption of either fruit tea or control for a period of one week to assess its effect on lung function. Using standard procedures (Folin and FRAP assays), antioxidant and polyphenol levels of a variety of fruit teas including own brand (Sainsbury’s and Tesco) and named brand (Twining’s) were measured. This allowed researchers to establish the most sufficient fruit tea, which was then used in the study intervention. Measuring lung function consisted of lung function tests including; vital capacity, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second, using Vitalograph apparatus. Results: Overall, analysis of the study results highlights that there was no statistically significant difference in lung function (VC, FVC, FEV1 and FEV/FVC ratio) measurement pre- and post- fruit tea intervention. Interestingly, the study reported no significant difference between the bioactive compounds present in the own brand tea bags compared to the named brand tea bags. Conclusion: In conclusion, a one week intervention comprising of the consumption of fruit tea had no effect on lung function in healthy individuals. On the other hand, after the analysis of antioxidants and polyphenols in both own brand and named brand fruit tea, it can be concluded that the bioactive compounds present in each did not statistically differ and therefore own brand fruit tea may have the same potential as named brand teas. Key Words: Antioxidants, Polyphenols, Lung Function, Fruit Tea, Berries