Flavonoid intakes, COPD, adult asthma, and lung function: a cohort study in the UK Biobank

Nicola P Bondonno*, Benjamin H Parmenter, Alysha S Thompson, Amy Jennings, Kevin Murray, Daniel Bech Rasmussen, Anna Tresserra Rimbau, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Given their antioxidative stress, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects, flavonoids are hypothesised to play a role in preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cohort study was to examine associations between flavonoid intake and COPD, asthma and lung function.

METHODS: Among 119,466 participants of the UK Biobank, median [IQR] age of 60 [53, 65], we estimated intakes of flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods and a flavodiet score from 24-hour diet assessments. Prospective associations with both incident COPD and asthma and cross-sectional associations with measures of lung function [%predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1); and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)] were examined using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models, respectively. We investigated mediation by inflammation--represented by the INFLA score--and stratified analyses by smoking status.

RESULTS: Compared to low intakes, moderate intakes of total flavonoids, flavonols, theaflavins + thearubigins, and flavanones, and moderate-high intakes of flavanol monomers, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavones, and the flavodiet score were associated with up to an 18% lower risk of incident COPD [e.g., [HR (95% CI) for total flavonoids: 0.83 (0.75, 0.92)] but not incident asthma. Furthermore, compared to low intakes, higher intakes of all flavonoid subclasses (except theaflavins + thearubigins), and the flavodiet score were associated with better percent predicted FEV1 baseline. Associations were most apparent in ever (current or former) smokers. Flavonoid intakes were inversely associated with the INFLA score, which appeared to mediate 11-14% of the association between intakes of proanthocyanidins and flavones and incident COPD.

CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to high flavonoid intakes were associated with a lower risk of COPD and better lung function, particularly among ever smokers. Promoting intakes of healthy flavonoid-rich foods, namely tea, apples and berries, may improve respiratory health and lower COPD risk, particularly in individuals with a history of smoking.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Early online date31 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusEarly online date - 31 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Flavonoid intakes
  • COPD
  • adult asthma

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