Human biochemical response to ozone and vitamin e

Abstract

To determine whether vitamin E (d\-u-tocopherol) supplementation of the diet provides protection from inhaled oxidants such as ozone (03J in community air pollution, its effects were studied in healthy adult volunteers. Experimental groups received 800 or 1600 IU of vitamin E for 9 wk or more; control groups received placebos. Double-blind conditions were maintained throughout the study. Biochemical parameters studied included red blood cell fragility; hematocrit and hemoglobin values; red cell glutathione concentration; and the enzymes acetylcholinesterase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactic acid dehydrogenase. No significant differences between the responses of the supplemented and placebo groups to a controlled 03 exposure (0.5 ppm for 2 h) were found for any of these parameters. The results indicate that vitamin E supplementation in humans, at the levels employed in this experiment, gives no added protection against blood biochemical effects of 03 in intermittently exercising subjects under exposure conditions simulating summer ambient air pollution episodes. © 1979 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.