Scientists talked about protecting the lungs with vitamin C in case of air pollution

Small particles of PM2.5 are microscopic dust smaller than 2.5 micrometers, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and causing inflammation. Even at low concentrations, such particles disrupt the functioning of the cells of the respiratory system. This was reported in a study published in Science Direct.

Scientists recalled that there is no safe level of air pollution. Even if the values of PM2.5 — small particles smaller than 2.5 microns — remain within the limits of the norms that are fixed in Europe and the USA, they can still damage the lungs.

To understand what is happening in the body, the researchers conducted an experiment on laboratory mice. The animals were exposed daily to a very low dose of PM2.5. After a few weeks, inflammation began in the lungs, the number of immune cells increased, and oxidative stress increased in the tissues themselves, a condition in which cells "overheat" from an excess of aggressive molecules.

At the same time, scientists noticed something else: the number of mitochondria in the lung tissue was decreasing — these are the "power plants" of cells, without which the normal functioning of the respiratory system is impossible. Such changes are often the starting point for chronic diseases like asthma.

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After that, the researchers added vitamin C to the drinking water of a group of mice. The result was clear: inflammation decreased, the level of reactive oxygen species decreased, and the mitochondria were protected. According to the authors, vitamin C worked as a powerful antioxidant and actually "blocked" the chain of damage caused by PM2.5 particles.

The scientists also performed a series of experiments on human bronchial cells. The pattern repeated itself: without vitamin C, PM2.5 reduced cell viability and made them vulnerable to damage, and with the preliminary addition of vitamin C, the cells retained both activity and structure.

The researchers emphasized that people may encounter low doses of PM2.5 every day — near roads, in offices, shops, and even at home. Therefore, understanding that vitamin C helps mitigate harm can become part of simple household prevention.

Earlier, on November 26, an article in the Wiley online library reported that orange juice is beneficial for the health of the cardiovascular system. According to the publication, orange juice also improves metabolism, controls blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and improves the lipid profile. It was emphasized that flavonoids contained in the drink play an important role in these processes.

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