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Comparing the effect of ascorbic acid and conventional vape mod liquid to nasal mucociliary clearance, IL-6, stress oxidative, and lung function

Awal Prasetyo, Resti Ariani, Jethro Budiman

Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 2026

45 participants

Abstract

Background: The effects of vaping, or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), on respiratory health are still debatable, even though it is thought to be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Vape use may affect mucociliary function and increase oxidative stress and inflammation. Ascorbic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate tissue damage from chemical exposure. This study aims to compare the impact of vape mod use, ascorbic acid supplementation with a vape mod, and non-smokers (control group) on nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), oxidative stress, and lung function to provide a clearer picture of the health risks associated with vape use. Methods: 45 participants were recruited and randomized into 3 groups: conventional vape mod group, ascorbic acid vape mod group, and control group. The measurement of NMC using the saccharin test, obtained lung function (FVC, FEV1, and PEF) via spirometry, and measured IL-6, reactive oxygen species, and SOD3 levels by sandwich ELISA. Results: The findings showed that a vape mod with ascorbic acid produced a better response than a conventional vape mod, based on NMC, IL-6, oxidative stress markers, and lung function. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid use may have protective benefits against mucosal damage and inflammation resulting from chemical exposure, while conventional vape use may worsen respiratory health conditions and cause inflammation and oxidative stress.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 45 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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