A cross-sectional analysis of approximately 150,000 UK Biobank patients found that higher fruit intake was linked with smaller declines in lung function related to particulate matter sized 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5). The effect was most evident in women, who reported higher average fruit consumption. While a healthy diet score was associated with higher lung function overall, it did not modify the impact of air pollution. Researchers adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Limitations included the cross-sectional design, self-reported diet data, and air pollution estimates based on residential address. Lead study author Pimpika Kaewsri, PhD, of the University of Leicester, noted that “total fruit intake seems to mitigate adverse effects of PM2.5 on lung function, with the group of highest fruit intake having the lowest PM2.5-related reduction in lung function.”

Source: ERS Congress 2025