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Nutritional Factors in Occupational Lung Disease

  • Occupational Allergies (JA Poole, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Lung diseases such as asthma and COPD are major public health issues and related to occupational exposures. While therapies to limit the development and progression of these diseases are limited, nutrition interventions could offer potential alternatives to mediate the inflammation associated with these diseases. This is a narrative review of the current state of relevant nutrients on inflammation and respiratory outcomes associated with occupational exposures.

Recent Findings

Relevant nutrients that have been investigated in recent years include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D, dairy products, and antioxidants. These nutrients have demonstrated the potential to prevent or modify the adverse outcomes associated with occupational exposures, primarily in preclinical studies.

Summary

Current therapies for respiratory consequences associated with occupational exposures are limited; therefore, addressing strategies for reducing inflammation is important in improving quality of life and limiting health care costs. More human studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of nutrition as an intervention.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Funding

This work was supported in part by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (K99ES025819/R00ES025819 to TMN) and by a VA Merit Award (to CH).

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Isaak, M., Ulu, A., Osunde, A. et al. Nutritional Factors in Occupational Lung Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 21, 24 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-021-01003-0

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