Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation<\/a> in the airways of the lungs making it hard to breath. In Canada, asthma is the third most common chronic disease in adults and the most common chronic disease among children. It\u2019s estimated that over 3.8 million people are currently suffering from asthma, and about 850,000 of those are children under the age of 14 years. 1<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Asthma is conventionally managed by medications that target opening the airway passages to the lungs and reducing inflammation. However, supporting lung health with a healthy diet has also been encouraged to lessen asthma symptoms.2<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Florida Orange juice contains vitamin C and bioactive plant compounds called flavonoids. While more research needs to be conducted, studies suggest these compounds may have a role in lung function and provide anti-inflammatory properties. 3,4<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The nutrients found in Florida Orange Juice, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, are being researched for their effect on lung health, asthma and allergy symptoms.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n Several observational studies provide support for potential respiratory benefits with the consumption of citrus fruit, and compounds found in citrus, such as vitamin C and the flavonoids hesperidin and naringenin. Some studies have reported these compounds may be associated with decreased incidence and prevalence of asthma and improved asthma-related respiratory symptoms.5-9<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In children, higher fruit juice consumption was associated with lower risk of reported asthma and atopic wheeze,10<\/sup> and, while not reaching statistical significance, increased frequency of 100% orange juice consumption tended (p=0.065<\/em>) to reduce asthma risk.11 \u00a0<\/sup>Recent studies support 100% orange juice consumption to not be associated with risk of asthma in adults.12<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Vitamin C<\/a> may be particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant support. Data suggest that vitamin C can support bronchodilation by modulating prostaglandin synthesis.13<\/sup> Histamine is involved in the asthmatic response of the lungs and the presentation of allergy symptoms, and since vitamin C is required to break down histamine,14<\/sup> vitamin C is thought to have an anti-histamine effect.15<\/sup>\u00a0Indeed, a meta-analysis combining several human clinical studies, reported that vitamin C significantly reduced exercise-induced asthma symptoms by 48 percent in asthmatic adults and adolescents.3<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C with an 8-ounce glass (1 cup \/ 250 ml) providing more than 100% of the Daily Value.*<\/sup> Citrus juices are reported to be a major contributor of vitamin C in the diet.16<\/sup><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nNutrition Research Corner for Health Professionals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Citrus and Orange Juice<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamin C<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Flavonoids<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n