CF Care Guidelines - Antioxidants

To protect the lungs and fight infections, the body relies on its immune system. This system depends on a balance of oxidants (toxic chemicals that kill invaders) and antioxidants (chemicals that control oxidants so lungs aren’t damaged).

The CF Foundation gathered experts to develop these care guidelines which include information on:

• Using vitamin A and vitamin E supplements
• Making sure people with CF receive the minimum recommended daily intake of selenium, ascorbate and zinc
• Avoiding environmental oxidants like smoking or air pollution
• Areas where further research is needed

Care Guidelines

• “Antioxidants in Cystic Fibrosis – Conclusions from the CF Antioxidant Workshop, Bethesda, Maryland, November 1-12, 2003” 
  Free Radic Biol Med. 2007;42(1):15–31

Information for People with CF and their Families

• "Antioxidant Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis" - Information about antioxidants and its possible role in the slowing or prevention of CF lung disease.
  
  
• "The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals in CF" - Information on vitamins (some also are antioxidants) and CF.

Updated 02/12/10