Indication: Asthma

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2003;111:72-78.

Research: Researchers compared the oxidant/antioxidant balance in white and red blood cells of 38 patients with mild to moderate asthma to 23 healthy subjects. (White blood cells may be a major source of free radicals believed to be involved in asthmatic reactions. Red blood cells are thought to be a pool of antioxidants.)

Results: Compared to healthy controls, patients with asthma had increased levels of free radicals from white blood cells, as measured through a variety of techniques. They also had higher levels of superoxide radicals, nitrites, protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation (all indicators of increased free radical activity). Levels of some of the body’s endogenous (self-produced) antioxidants were increased in white and red blood cells, possibly in attempt to counter-balance the free radicals.