Role of Serum and Dietary Vitamins A and E in Pulmonary Function and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review: Role of Vitamins A and E in Pulmonary Function and Disease

Shabina Saifullah; Amna Ihsan; Syed Haris Ali Shah; Afshan Iftikhar; Muhammad Hassan Ali Khan; Naveed Pervez

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i2.2817

Authors

Shabina Saifullah Department of Chemical Pathology, Peshawar Medical College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Amna Ihsan Department of Biochemistry, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Syed Haris Ali Shah Department of Pulmonology, Rai Institute of Medical Sciences, Sargodha, Pakistan
Afshan Iftikhar Department of Physiology, Rehman Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Muhammad Hassan Ali Khan Department of Pharmacology, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Naveed Pervez Department of Pulmonology, Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i2.2817

Keywords:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Oxidative Stress, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Pulmonary Function

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health concern, significantly affecting quality of life and healthcare systems. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in COPD pathogenesis. Vitamins A and E, as fat-soluble antioxidants, are believed to support pulmonary health, but studies report conflicting findings. Objectives: To evaluate associations between serum and dietary concentrations of vitamins A and E with pulmonary function parameters and COPD risk or severity, this systematic review was conducted. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Of 150 screened studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria, comprising cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and interventional designs. Studies assessing serum or dietary levels of vitamins A and E and their relationships with pulmonary function parameters (FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC) were included. Results: Higher serum and dietary vitamin A levels were linked to improved FEV₁ and FVC and reduced COPD prevalence. Vitamin E intake was associated with a lower risk of COPD, though its effects on lung function varied. Supplementation studies showed mixed results, with vitamin E benefits observed mainly when combined with other antioxidants. Effects were more pronounced in smokers and individuals with systemic inflammation. Conclusions: Vitamins A and E, particularly vitamin A, may support pulmonary health and slow COPD progression. However, inconsistencies highlighted the need for well-designed trials to confirm their role in COPD management.

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