Nutritional Status and COPD

Abstract

Since chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD and obesity became global public health challenges, the nutritional status evaluation is more important. How malnutrition and obesity will impact COPD prognosis and treatment is relevant and we considered need a separate approach. The new adiposity based chronic disease concept explains the role played by adiposity, and important studies, like European Community Health Survey ECRHS are highlighting the correlation between adiposity and lung function decline. On the other side, malnutrition decreases effort capacity and impairs the strength of respiratory muscles. Foods, nutrients and dietary patterns are influencing COPD prognosis and Mediterranean Diet, integrated in a healthy lifestyle should be part of COPD management. The important benefic role played by fibers, whole grains, combined with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fruits and vegetables, together with poly-unsaturated fatty acids PUFA, fish, vitamins and minerals, is detailed below, in contrast with the detrimental role of Western Diet. A multidisciplinary approach in COPD should be considered, integrating lifestyle interventions as important tools in COPD management.