Could supplementing with boysenberry protect lung function from the effects of pollution?

Ozone is an air pollutant that is a by-product of industrial process and fossil fuels combustion. When inhaled, it can lead to reversible reductions in lung function and airway hypersensitivity. Long-term exposure to elevated ozone concentrations is associated with increased respiratory and circulatory disease.

Fruits and vegetables contain bioactives that impact on airway inflammation and immune function.

In this study, we seek to investigate whether short-term boysenberry protects lung function from the effects of ozone exposure in healthy individuals.

Volunteers will supplement with boysenberry powder or placebo daily for five days then complete a trial day where we will measure the effects of boysenberry powder in maintaining lung function during exposure to safe levels of ozone.

The clinical study is now fully recruited and in progress; we are no longer seeking volunteers.

This study was approved by the Health & Disabilities Ethics Committees.