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; 22.673.2)
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