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Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Linked to Lower Parkinson's Risk in Half-Million-Adult Study
Key Takeaways
- A study of more than half a million adults found higher exhaled carbon monoxide levels were associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
- Regular smokers had significantly higher exhaled CO and roughly a 30% lower risk of developing Parkinson's than nonsmokers over 12 years of follow-up.
- The research used the China Kadoorie Biobank, pairing smoking histories and exhaled breath measurements with death registry and health insurance tracking.
- The body naturally produces small amounts of CO that help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation and support immune responses; prior animal and lab work hinted at brain protection.
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DT Editorial Team··via medicalxpress.com