Healthful Plant-Based Dietary Patterns Associated with Reduced Adverse Effects of Air Pollution on COPD

This large cohort study (n = 162,741; UK Biobank) explored how plant-based diets modulate the impact of air pollution (PM2.5, NO₂, NOx) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) was associated with a lower COPD risk, especially among those exposed to high air pollution levels. The combined analysis showed a protective interaction, where high hPDI attenuated pollution’s negative respiratory impact. The study emphasizes diet’s role in mitigating environmental risk factors for chronic disease and calls for diet-based public health strategies.

Photo Credit: Canva