Dietary intake of fatty acids and its relationship with FEV1/FVC in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019 Feb:29:92-96. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.015. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Abstract

Background & aims: The deterioration of pulmonary function has been associated with increased levels of systemic inflammation that can be stimulated by consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fats. We hypothesized that fatty acids intake impact on pulmonary function. However, evidence about the impact of different types of fatty acids on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited and heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between intake of fatty acids and pulmonary function in patients with COPD.

Methods: Cross sectional study of patients diagnosed with COPD. The relationship between consumption of fatty acids and the FEV1/FVC ratio obtained by spirometry was assessed. Patients with exacerbations during the prior 2 months, diagnosis of asthma or administration of a dietary supplement were excluded.

Results: A simple linear regression showed that for each gram of carbohydrates and total l fatty acids intake, the FEV1/FVC ratio decreased -0.03 ml (β: -0.03, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.01, p = 0.008) and -0.009 ml (β: -0.00, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00, p = 0.031) respectively. Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) was associated with an increase of 0.47 ml in the FEV1/FVC ratio for each milligram intake (β: 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.91, p = 0.031). Subsequently, when adjusted for calories intake, an increase of 0.53 ml was observed in the FEV1/FVC for each milligram of C15:0 fatty acid intake (β:0.53, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.97, p = 0.018).

Conclusion: A positive association was observed between pentadecanoic acid and the FEV1/FVC ratio with a beneficial effect on patients with COPD.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Fatty acids; Nutrient intake; Pulmonary function; Saturated fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asthma
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids / classification
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Lung / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diet therapy
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / metabolism*
  • Spirometry
  • Vital Capacity / physiology*

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids
  • pentadecanoic acid