Air pollution has long been recognised as one of the world’s most serious environmental health threats, affecting billions of people globally. New research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam suggests that a fruit-rich diet may help protect lung function from air pollution damage.
More than 90% of the world’s population lives in areas where air pollution levels exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Long-term exposure to pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, is strongly associated with lung damage, respiratory disease, and reduced life expectancy.
PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometres or smaller, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. They originate from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, burning fuels, and other urban and industrial processes. Prolonged inhalation of these particles increases oxidative stress and inflammation. This weakens lung function and raises the risk of chronic conditions.
Investigating the Role of Diet
While air pollution clearly damages respiratory health, researchers wanted to explore whether a healthy diet could reduce these harmful effects. Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help neutralise oxidative stress.
To investigate this possibility, Pimpika Kaewsri, a PhD student at the University of Leicester, used UK Biobank data. The data came from nearly 200,000 participants. The team analysed people’s fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption alongside their lung function and exposure to PM2.5. Additional factors such as age, height, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status were considered to ensure accuracy.
What the Study Found
The analysis revealed that fruit intake made a noticeable difference in how air pollution affected lung function, particularly in women.
For every increase in PM2.5 exposure of five micrograms per cubic metre, women with low fruit intake lost an average of 78.1ml of lung function, measured by FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second). In contrast, women with higher fruit intake lost only 57.5ml, showing that regular fruit consumption appeared to mitigate some of the damage caused by pollution.
Why Women Benefited More Than Men
Interestingly, the protective effect of fruit consumption against air pollution was observed only in women, not men. According to Kaewsri, men in the study generally reported lower fruit intake compared to women. This dietary difference may explain why women showed more measurable protection from pollution-related lung decline.
However, further research is needed to confirm whether biological or hormonal differences between men and women also play a role.
Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Fruits are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which help neutralise harmful free radicals produced by pollutants. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce swelling and irritation in lung tissues.
Kaewsri explained that these nutrients could counteract oxidative stress caused by PM2.5 exposure, which may explain why frequent fruit consumption helped protect lung function in the study group.
Broader Health Implications
This study highlights the direct respiratory benefits of eating more fruit. It also emphasizes its potential role in combating environmental health risks. A plant-rich diet has been consistently linked to better heart health, improved immunity, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
For respiratory health, combining dietary improvements with clean air policies could provide a stronger shield against pollution-related damage. The findings suggest that even small dietary changes may help people living in polluted environments maintain healthier lungs.
Socioeconomic Considerations
Although the researchers adjusted their analysis for socioeconomic status, they acknowledged that access to healthy food is not equal across populations. Fresh fruit and vegetables may be unaffordable or unavailable in some communities, limiting the protective benefits of diet.
This raises important questions about how governments and health organisations can ensure fair access to nutritious foods, especially in polluted cities where people may face the greatest respiratory risks.
Next Steps in Research
Kaewsri and her team plan to extend the research by examining how diet influences lung function changes over time. Long-term studies could confirm whether consistent fruit consumption provides lasting protection against pollution-related respiratory decline.
Researchers are also interested in identifying which specific fruits or nutrients are most effective in counteracting air pollution damage. For example, fruits particularly high in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, and apples, may offer the strongest benefits.
Implications for Public Health
The findings suggest that promoting fruit consumption could be a practical and affordable way to strengthen lung health in polluted regions. Combined with smoking cessation, regular exercise, and strong air quality policies, dietary improvements could help reduce the global burden of respiratory disease.
For individuals, the study provides yet another reason to include more fruit in their daily meals. Even modest increases in fruit intake may help protect lung health in environments where clean air is not guaranteed.
Air pollution remains a pressing global health threat, but this study offers encouraging evidence that a fruit-rich diet may reduce its impact on lungs. While healthy eating cannot replace strong environmental protections, it can serve as an important additional tool in safeguarding respiratory health.
As research continues, one message is clear: combining healthy diets with cleaner air policies is essential for protecting lung function in future generations.
