Vitamin E shields lungs from smog effects

Among lung-guarding nutrients we all could use more of: gamma-tocopherol often referred to as the “other vitamin E.”

Smog-ozone damages inflammation in lung tissue. Diet can temper how lungs respond to air pollution. Gamma-tocopherol aides in fighting inflammation.

To match the values of gamma-tocopherol that proved protective in the nasal passages and lungs of ozone-exposed rats, people would have to consume between 0.7 and 2 grams of gamma-tocopherol per day. To achieve this level, people will have to turn to dietary supplements.